GARDENING
SOURED
,3W
H.
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
PRESENTED BY
PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND
MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID
GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
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THE MOUNTAIN CLEMATIS (CLEMATIS MONTANA) ON A COTTAGE
IN YORKSHIRE. TO PRUNE, CUT OUT SOME OF THE OLD SHOOTS
AS SOON AS THE FLOWERS ARE OVER.
Gardening Difficulties
Solved. Expert Answers
to Amateurs' Questions
Edited by
H. H. THOMAS
Author of " Little Gardens," "Sweet Peas and How to Grow Them,
etc. etc.
WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS FROM
PHOTOGRAPHS AND SKETCHES
GASSELL AND COMPANY, LTD.
London, New York, Toronto and Melbourne
1910
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PREFACE
IT is commonly acknowledged that the Questions and Answers
columns of a gardening paper contain information that is in-
valuable to its readers generally. The questions are asked by
amateurs and answered by experts. The replies are useful
not only to the actual inquirers but to all amateurs, for the
trials and troubles of one inexperienced gardener are very
similar to those of another. Thus the suggestion that a care-
ful selection of Questions and Answers from the columns of
THE GARDENER would be welcomed in book form was not
made without good grounds. This suggestion prompted the
preparation of "Gardening Difficulties Solved."
The information given in the following pages is practical
and to the point, and, it is hoped, will meet all ordinary
difficulties that confront the possessor of a garden. The
questions have actually been asked by amateurs, so that the
troubles they voice are real. Since conditions of climate
influence gardening work to a considerable degree, the district
from which each question was sent is indicated.
H. H. T.
January, 1910.
M358811
The Finest Blooms in the World
TO those who have pride in a beautiful garden the Sweet Pea
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suitable for exhibition,
25 seeds of each 1/6
A specially written booklet on Sweet Pea. Growing with every Order,
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ECKFORD'S IDEAL COLLECTION OF VEGETABLE SEEDS
The quantities in this collection are sufficient for ordinary gardens, allotments,
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(three varieties — early, medium, and late), Brussels Sprouts, Early Cabbage, Pickling
Cabbage, Savoy, Carrot, Early Cauliflower, Celery, Cress, Ridge Cucumber, Lettuce
(two varieties), Mustard, Onions (two varieties), Parsley, Parsnip, Radish, Tomato
(garden), Turnip and Vegetable Marrow. The above are all excellent
Kinds— fine for exhibition. Sent carriage paid for 6/-, cash with order. ^ If
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HENRY ECKFORD, F.R H.S. (Dept. i:>4),
WEM, SHROPSHIRE
CONTENTS
PAGE
1. The Beginner's Guide to Rose Growing i
2. Carnations in Winter and Summer 39
3. Sweet Pea Difficulties Made Clear . . . . .48
4. Flower Garden Trials and Troubles . . . . 54
5. The Greenhouse Gay . , ., - •;-• . / . • ( 79
6. All about Chrysanthemums . ; .' . . . . 95
7. Failures with Bulbous Flowers— How to Avoid Them . 103
8. Grape Growing in Greenhouses HO
9. Fruit Growing Problems Solved . . . 121
10. Trees and Shrubs . . . .....-.• 140
11. Home Grown Vegetables . . -. .. . . 149
INDEX ....... 158
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Face First Matter]
GARDENING DIFFICULTIES
SOLVED
CHAPTER I
The Beginner's Guide to Rose Growing
Time to Plant Roses
Q. When should Roses be planted? I have been advised that
various times are the best, and should be glad to know definitely.—
E. S., Bucks.
A. The best time is during the last week in October and the first
two weeks in November. If, however, the ground is very wet the
Roses should not be planted but laid in a shallow trench, the roots
being well covered with soil. This is commonly spoken of as
"laying in" or "heeling in." In such circumstances the Roses are
planted when the soil is dry enough to be dug without sticking
together in big lumps. Roses may be planted from the end of
October until the end of March, or in northern counties until the
middle of April. It is better to plant later in ground that is in
suitable condition than to plant early in ground that is saturated.
If Roses in pots are bought they may be planted at any time up to
June, for there is no need to disturb the roots to any appreciable
extent. They are, however, more expensive than Roses lifted from
the open ground.
How to Plant
Q. How shall I proceed to plant Roses 1 Is it necessary to use
manure at planting time ? — J. K. L., Romford.
A. The chief thing to do is to dig the ground at least 2 feet deep.
Roses are not successful in badly tilled ground. Well rotted farm-
yard manure is the best stuff to dig in the Rose beds before planting,
and it should be mixed in the lower 12 inches, so as not to be in
direct contact with the roots at first. If this cannot be had, basic
slag, applied at the rate of 8 oz. per square yard, may be used. It is
best to prepare the ground two or three weeks before the Roses are
B
2 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
put in, so that it may settle down to its normal level. Put in the
Roses so that the junction of stock and scion is covered with 1 inch
of soil.
It is most important (a) to cut off all bruised and broken ends, (I) to
spread out the roots to their full extent, (c) to work the soil well
amongst them, and (d) to make the soil quite firm by treading. Do
not put all the soil in and then make firm, but tread down each
spadeful as it is put in. The uppermost roots of standard and
climbing Roses should be about 2 inches below the surface ; the
stake is put in before the soil. It is of great importance to make
standards firm and to secure them to a stake or other support.
Otherwise they get blown about and loosened.
Replanting Roses
Q. I am desirous of replanting some Rose trees in a fresh position
this year. The trees have borne a very good supply of blooms and
appear to be strong. When would be the best time to undertake
this ? and should the trees be pruned before or after they have been
transplanted ? — Unimus, Surrey.
A. The best time to undertake the work of replanting your Roses
would be in the latter part of October or early November. As you
dig up the trees, cut back the roots a few inches with a sharp knife,
and look well for suckers of the wild stock on which they are budded.
If any are seen, cut them off at the point of origin. The growths
should be cut back to about 15 or 18 inches from the base. Dip the
roots at once in some thin mud, and cover them with soil in a shady
place until you are prepared to replant. Choose fine weather for the
replanting. The plants will take no harm heeled in for a week or
two provided the soil is well trodden about their roots.
Planting Sweet Briar for Hedge
Q. Will you advise me as to the distance apart at which I should
plant Sweet Briar Roses to form a hedge 1 Also whether the Pen-
zance Briars are as sweet smelling as the Common Sweet Briar ?—
A. 0. C., Altrincham.
A . If you are planting a single row, a distance of about 2 feet
should be allowed between the plants of common Sweet Briars, and
2 \ feet for Penzance Briars. If a wide hedge is desired then plant a
double row thus . • . • , the plants 18 inches apart. The Penzance
Priars are very sweet in foliage, but not quite equal to the common
Sweet Briar, They are, however, most lovely when, in bloom,
Photo. : W. J. Vasey, Abingdon.
A GATHERING OF RED AND YELLOW ROSES.
GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Pruning Hybrid Perpetual Roses
Q. I have a collection of Hybrid Perpetual Roses, but the pruning
has been neglected. Can you advise ?— E. J., Hitchin.
A. These are easily divided into three sections representative of
their vigour of
growth, namely
weak (e.g. A. K.
Williams) ; mod-
erate (e.g. Mrs.
John Laing);
vigorous (e.g.
Clio). They
should be pruned
according to their
growth — the
stronger the
shoots are, the
less severe prun-
ing they need.
Pruning encour-
ages growth, so
that to cut back
a vigorous shoot
hard results in
the production
of three or four
equally strong
growths with
fewer flowers.
Broadly speak-
ing, the vigorous
sorts are cut
back to within 9
inches or 1 foot
of the base of -the previous year's growth. Those of moderate
growth may be cut back to within 6 inches, and the weak growers
to within 2 to 4 inches of the base of the previous summer's growth.
Pruning Hybrid Tea Roses
Q. How far back should I cut my Hybrid Tea Roses at pruning 'I
—X Y. Z., Henley.
BUSH OF HYBRID TEA* ROSE BEFORE
PRUNING.
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ROSE GROWING 5
A. These are essentially the Roses for the garden, especially for
the town and suburban garden. They should only be moderately
pruned. The strong growths may be left 1 foot to 18 inches in
length, or even more if large bushes are desirable. Shorten the side
or lateral growths
to within 2 to 3
inches of the
main shoots. The
weak growing
Hybrid Teas re-
quire more severe
pruning ; Liberty
and Mildred
Grant are exam-
ples.
Pruning Tea
and China
Roses
Q. I am in
doubt as to the
proper method of
pruning Tea and
China Roses.
Please advise. —
H. W., Sussex.
A. These Roses
often suffer rather
severely from
frost except where
well protected or 111
in sheltered po- THE SAME PLANT AS IT APPEARS AFTER
sitions. After the PRUNING.
injured shoots
have been cut away from the plants, these usually need little further
pruning beyond removing weak growth near the base, and perhaps
shortening a shoot or two to preserve the balance of the bushes.
When the plants. have been well protected, the strong growing sorts
may be cut back to within 9 inches or 1 foot of the old wood, weak
growers to within 2 to 4 inches. Often the frost does all the pruning
that is needed.
6 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
TEA ROSE BEFORE PRUNING.
THE SAME PLANT AFTER PRUNING.
Pruning Newly
Planted Roses
Q. Will you
kindly say how
and when I should
prune climbing
Roses planted in
November 1 — P.
M., Basing stoke.
A. There are
two courses open
to you in pruning
your climbing
Roses which were
planted in au-
tumn. The third
week in March
you can shorten
them either a little
or much. Leav-
ing the shoots
nearly full length
or half length you
will doubtless get
a certain number
of blooms the first
summer, but the
plants will make
unsatisfa ctory
growth. If you
cut down all the
shoots on each
plant to within 3
or 4 inches of the
ground you will
get no flowers
from them the
first year (or prac-
tically none), but
they will make
shoots 6 feet and
8
GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
more in length. These shoots will be vigorous and well ripened,
will bloom profusely the next year, and will lay the foundation of a
good plant.
Pruning Rambling Roses
Q. I have just (November) received some Rambler Roses from a
nurseryman ; they all have four or five branches or shoots ranging
from 3 to 5 feet long. After planting, should these be cut off, or left
IN PRUNING ROSES WEAK
AND DEAD WOOD AS AT A
IS FIRST CUT OUT. THE RE-
MAINING SHOOTS ARE THEN
PRUNED AS SHOWN AT B.
THINNING OUT A ROSE THAT
IS CROWDED WITH WEAK
AND USELESS SHOOTS. DO
NOT PRUNE AT B, BUT CUT
BACK TO A.
for the winter and pruned in the spring 1 and when pruning, how
much should be removed ? The names of the sorts are Lady
Gay, Crimson Rambler, and Longworth Rambler. — A. B. P.,
Southampton.
A. If you have planted the Ramblers against some support, it
will not be advisable to prune them until spring ; then cut back to
within 3 or 4 inches of the ground. If planted out as free bushes
cut back now to prevent swaying about in gales. Climbing and
rambling Roses that are established are pruned as soon as the
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ROSE GROWING 9
flowers are over. Pruning takes the form of cutting out some of
the oldest growths — those that have bloomed. The finest flowers
are produced on one year old shoots, i.e. those of the previous
summer's growth.
Pruning Crimson Rambler Rose
Q. My plants of this Rose have made rampant growth. How do
I prune them, and when 1 — Amateur, Feltham.
A. It is best to thin out the old flowering growths as soon as
they have finished flowering, and in the following March to shorten
SHOWING HOW A NEWLY
PLANTED BUSH ROSE IS HARD
PRUNED.
THE SKETCH B
SHOWS HOW IT
IS PRUNED, AND
C IND I C A T E S
THE DIRECTION
NEW SHOOTS
WILL TAKE.
A
A STRONG YOUNG HYBRID
PERPETUAL ROSE IS SHOWN
AT A.
the side growths. As your plant has made very little progress this
season, all that can be recommended in the way of pruning is to cut
clean to the base all thin, weakly growths, retaining the best. This
should be done now (September).
Pruning Marechal Kiel Rose
Q. A Marechal Niel Rose in my greenhouse has made vigorous
shoots during the summer. How should these be pruned, and when 1
— Ignorant, Faversham.
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ROSE GROWING 11
A. The strong healthy growth made during the summer should
not be pruned very much, if at all, for Marechal Niel produces its
flowers on the wood made the previous year. Hence to cut away
this growth would mean the loss of many flowers in the coming
season. The Rose should be well thinned of all weak shoots in
winter, whether new or old, but the best of the past season's shoots
should be retained and left as long as possible. Marechal Niel is
greatly benefited by summer pruning, say about the end of July or
as soon as summer flowering is over. This consists of cutting back
those shoots which have flowered to within 1 foot or so of their base.
Young growths then develop, and it is these which, when well
ripened, make the best flowering wood for the next season.
Roses That do not Droop
Q. Do any of the following Roses droop their heads when in
bloom ? I have a Suzanne Marie Rodocanachi, which droops owing
to the weight of the bloom, and I do not want any like that. Are
the following as good as I can get in their respective colours?
Capt. Hayward, Madame Ravary, General McArthur, Betty, Dean
Hole, Madame A. Chatenay, Pharisaer, Prince de Bulgarie. — Novice,
Battersea.
A. A few sorts that come nearly to your standard of perfection
are Pharisaer, Princesse Mertchersky, Dean Hole, Lady Battersea, and
Joseph Hill. Most of the varieties you name carry their blossoms
erect, save Betty. This Rose is inclined to droop somewhat, but not
to any extent.
Rose for North Wall
Q. Will you tell me what Rose I can plant on a wall with a cold
north exposure 1 It gets very little sun even in summer. Would a
Gloire de Dijon dot— Fir Tree, N.B.
A . You might plant any of the following : Gloire de Dijon
(creamy yellow), Reine Marie Henriette (red), Felicite Perpetue
(white), Bouquet d'Or (yellow shades).
Roses for Shady Wall 10 Feet High
Q. I have a wall 10 feet high which gets the sun about three
hours in the afternoon. What Rose can I plant here ? I want one
of good form and with high, pointed centre if possible, and, above
all, free and continuous blooming. I am not particular as to colour,
but should prefer a yellow. Bear in mind mine is a town garden.
I also want to get five pillar Roses to give a succession of bloom,
12 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
assorted colours and of good form. I already have Gloire de Dijon,
Gruss an Teplitz, Lady Gay, and Crimson Rambler. Also a good
white Rose. Would Madame A. Carriere suit me in this case ? I
should like to know why it is not advisable to buy bundles of Roses
at auction sales. — Anxious, Fulham.
A. The variety of Rose that you would like for the 10-feet wall
would be Kaiserin Friedrich or Bouquet d'Or. Either should grow
in the somewhat shaded aspect, if you prepare a good deep hole for
the roots. Five good pillar Roses would be Climbing Caroline
Testout, Ards Rover, Conrad F. Meyer, J.B. Clark, Frangois Crousse.
Madame A. Carriere would be a splendid Rose for your proposed
trellis. It is not specially beautiful in form, but is such a good
grower that we could not recommend a better. A more perfect
bloom would be Climbing K. A. Victoria, and we believe it would
grow with you. Do not buy pot plants, but get good specimens
from the open ground. They could be obtained for the price you
name, Is. 6d. each. We should- not advise you to buy Roses at
auction sales for the simple reason that you have to take what is
given you, and usually they are the leavings after the season's sales.
Moreover, the plants are allowed to stand about and the roots
become parched up.
Six Roses for Exhibition
Q. Will you tell me the names of six Rose varieties for showing
purposes 1 — W. P., Nairn.
A. You will find the following good, reliable sorts to grow. Dean
Hole, Frau Karl Druschki, Mrs. John Laing, Mrs. W. J. Grant,
Ulrich Brunner, Madame Jules Gravereaux. The latter is a very
strong grower, but prune it down to the ground each year, and it will
produce some enormous blooms.
Roses for Hedge
Q. I am anxious to plant a Rose hedge, and would be glad if you
would tell me which of the following would be the most suitable. The
hedge would be about 30 feet long, and unfortunately much exposed
to north-west wind. Rosa rugosa, alba, rubra, Conrad F. Meyer,
common Sweet Briar. Please suggest any more suitable, and give
advice as to distance apart to plant, and pruning. — A. $., Blackburn.
A. If you desire a tall hedge, you could not do better than plant
Conrad F. Meyer or the charming Penzance Briar Anne of Geierstein,
which has rich crimson blossoms. But, possibly, as the hedge would
A PILLAR OP ROSE DOROTHY PERKINS. THIS IS A SPLENDID
ROSE FOR BEGINNERS. HERE IS ITS CULTIVATION IN A NUT-
SHELL. PLANT IN WELL DUG SOIL IN NOVEMBER ; CUT DOWN
TO WITHIN 6 INCHES OF BASE IN MARCH. IN SUCCEEDING
YEARS CUT OUT A FEW OF THE OLDER GROWTHS AS SOON
AS THEY HAVE BLOOMED,
14 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
be much exposed to west winds, you would prefer a hedge growing
to about 5 feet high. This could be secured with Rosa rugosa, the
red and white forms, and also mingled with them Blanc double de
Courbet and Mrs. A. Waterer. The common Sweet Briar is deli-
ciously fragrant, but you obtain little or no blossom. A Rose that
makes a really beautiful and continuous flowering hedge is Gruss an
Teplitz, a rich scarlet crimson sort and very sweet. If you cared to
do so, you could blend a white Rose with it, e.g. Madame Alfred
Carriere. The two are very free and continuous in their blossoming.
Plant from 2 to 3 feet apart. In March cut the plants back to about
3 feet from the ground. If not so tall as this, do not prune at all.
The second year cut down to ground one or more of the oldest
growths, and repeat this every spring ; then you ensure a good base.
Just a trim over will suffice for the other growths. Be careful to
plant in well trenched soil in November.
Preparing Briar Stocks
Q. What will be the best mode of procedure in order to have a
stock of rooted Briars for budding Roses on in summer — Tea
Roses to be grown in pots 1 Residing in a rural district, I have
access to plenty of wild Briars to obtain cuttings. How shall I take
them, and how must they be treated ?— E. A. W., Somerset.
A. Strong cuttings of the common Briar may be taken any time
during September and October. Have them 9 inches long, and
select only strong, well ripened wood ; cut close to a joint at the
bottom, and remove all the buds except three at the top. Plant in
rows 2 feet apart and 6 inches apart in the rows, burying the cuttings
half their length or more in the ground, and press the soil very firmly
about them. A mulch of leaf mould or old manure between the
rows will be useful. They will hardly be strong enough for budding
the next summer, unless strong cuttings are taken and they are watered
in dry weather. The usual plan is to leave the cuttings one year to
get well rooted. Transplant at wider intervals in autumn, and bud
the next summer. There is not much gained by budding before the
stocks are well rooted and strong.
Selection of Standard Roses
Q. Will you give a selection of eight Roses for standards, two
pink, two red, two white, one yellow, and one other ? Wanted for
garden decoration, good form, and sweet scented. Have already got
The Bride, Joseph Hill, Madame Abel Chatenay, Hugh Dickson,
16 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Ulrich Brunner, Viscountess Folkestone, La France, and General
Jacqueminot. Would November planting be suitable for this
district 1—S. B., London, S.E.
A. The following have a good vigorous habit of growth, and are
fragrant : Pink, Madame Jules Grolez, Gustav Grunerwald ; red,
Commandant Felix Faure, Charles Lefebvre ; blush white, Augustine
Guinoisseau, Clio ; yellow, Madame Ravary ; and Pharisaer, a good
blush to make the eight. Plant in November.
Best Cream and Best Yellow Roses as Half Standards
Q. I should be glad to know of the best ten cream and yellow
Roses to grow as half standards out of the following selection :
Gloire Lyonnaise, Marie van Houtte, Florence Pemberton, Madame
Falcot, Francisca Kriiger, Madame Jules Gravereaux, Madame
Hoste, Madame Ravary, Rubens, Madame Fernet Ducher, Madame
Jean Dupuy, Madame Berard, Dean Hole, Hon. Edith Gilford,
Souvenir de Pierre Netting, White Maman Cochet. — C. S. H. <S'.,
Shrewsbury.
A. Of the list submitted we would recommend the following :
Gloire Lyonnaise, Marie van Houtte, Madame Falcot, Florence
Pemberton, Madame Jules Gravereaux, Madame Hoste, Madame
Ravary, Madame Pernet Ducher, Souvenir de Pierre Notting,
White Maman Cochet.
Twelve Roses for Cold Garden
Q. Would you give me the names of a dozen Roses, hardy and
strong, for a cold garden 1 The wind is keen. I have tried several
dozen and find many weak ones fail. — G. Bates, Derbyshire.
A. The following varieties should grow well if you have the soil
deeply dug : Conrad F. Meyer, Madame G. Bruant, Ulrich Brunner,
Caroline Testout, H. Schultheis, John Hopper, Boule de Neige,
Margaret Dickson, Dr. Andry, Gruss an Teplitz, Madame I. Periere,
Augustine Guinoisseau.
Crimson Rose for Shady Spot
Q. Kindly give me the name of any crimson Rose other than
Crimson Rambler that will grow in rather a shady place and quickly
cover a fence 8 feet high. — Bourne End.
A . Either Hiawatha or Reine Olga de Wurtemberg would be the
sort to plant for quick growth. The first named is perhaps the best
and its lovely clusters of single flowers are always much admired,
ROSE LADY GAY IN A GARDEN IN THE SUBURBS.
THE SAME CULTURAL TREATMENT AS OUTLINED ON
PAGE 13 IS APPLICABLE.
IS GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Roses for Suburban Garden
Q. My garden is in a London suburb. I am anxious to take up
Rose growing. Will you tell me how to prepare the ground, and
give list of suitable varieties ? — Baling.
A. The trenching or double digging is carried out as follows in
October : Mark out the soil to be trenched in 1-yard lengths, or if
the borders are narrow, or the plot of ground a circular bed, the
principle will apply, that is, to move the top soil to the depth of the
spade, and with a five tined fork well fork up the lower soil to the
depth of the fork. This soil is not brought to the surface, but kept
where it is. All that is done is to mix some good manure with it.
If you cannot procure farmyard or other good manure, then use basic
slag at the rate of 8 oz. to 1 square yard. This material can be ob-
tained of any horticultural sundriesman. Having put the lower soil
right, add some bone meal to the top soil at the rate of about 3 Ib.
to a wheelbarrowful of soil. It will be all the better if the soil is
allowed to settle down before planting, which should be done, if
possible, by the middle of November. Be careful to choose fine
weather for planting. Trim the roots fairly hard back and plant
very firmly, treading the soil about them as tightly as possible, but
leave the surface soil loose. A few good sorts to commence with are
Caroline Testout, Hugh Dickson, Frau Karl Druschki, Gustav
Grunerwald, Lady Ashtown, Mrs. John Laing, Madame Ravary,
Prince de Bulgarie, Madame Jean Dupuy, General McArthur,
Joseph Hill, and Viscountess Folkestone. If you have a spot where
you could grow a good large bush plant Conrad F. Meyer, and should
you desire one or two for arches or trellis we recommend Dorothy
Perkins, Tausendschon, and Hiawatha.
Roses for Heavy Clay Soil
Q. What would you suggest as the best six or eight Roses
suitable for a rather heavy clay soil? I prefer H.T.'s or Teas to
H.P.'s, but would act as you suggest. Can you also tell me if you
would recommend J. B. Clark as a good garden Rose ? If not, the
nearest H.T. to this colour. — Phroso, Herts.
A. Eight good Roses for your garden would be Caroline Testout,
Frau Karl Druschki, Madame Jean Dupuy, Madame Jules Grolez,
Prince de Bulgarie, Viscountess Folkestone, Marie Van Houtte,
Laurent Carle. We cannot recommend J. B. Clark as a good garden
Rose, although splendid at times. We much prefer Hugh Dickson.
This is really the best crimson Rose for any garden.
20 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Roses with Long Pointed Blooms
Q. Would you be good enough to name half a dozen Hoses for
the garden that produce long, pointed blooms, double, and of good
habit, etc. 1—J. L., Cardiff.
A. The following are excellent varieties possessing this qualifica-
BLOSSOMS OF THE EXQUISITE HYBRID TEA ROSE BETTY, SOFT
SHADES OF ROSE AND YELLOW. GOOD IN AUTUMN.
tion. Frau Karl Druschki, Lady Battersea, Pharisaer, Dean Hole,
Madame Hoste, White Maman Cochet.
Sweet Scented Roses
Q. Please give the names of any Roses similar in colour to or better
than Madame Abel Chatenay, and sweetly scented. Also the names of
two or three very dark Pioses that are scented, and suitable for
growing in this neighbourhood, — A. Saunders, Wimbledon,
ROSE CONRAD P. MEYER, A VERY VIGOROUS AND VERY THORNY
JAPANESE BRIAR ROSE WITH LARGE AND FRAGRANT PINK BLOOMS.
A MAGNIFICENT ROSE. THRIVES IN HEAVY SOIL AND PARTIAL
SHADE. CUT OUT A FEW OF THE OLDER GROWTHS IN SEPTEMBER.
h
w «
IQ
OD ^
- r
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ROSE GROWING 23
A. Few if any Roses can'compare with Madame Abel Chatenay as
an all-round variety, but we can recommend the following as being
really good and fragrant : Mrs. David Jardine, Madame Segond
Weber, Elizabeth Barnes, Betty, Lyon Rose. The following very
dark Roses are scented : Charles Lefebvre, Abel Carriere, Jubilee,
Louis Van Houtte, Xavier Olibo, and Pierre Netting.
Bright Coloured Roses
Q. Kindly give me names of Roses— real good Hybrid Perpetuals
— of the beautiful, full, deep colour of Duke of Wellington and A. K.
Williams. I do not want bluish reds at all— just the pure deep glow-
ing colour mentioned above. I have tried many of the so-called
(catalogued) crimson and deep scarlet, but when they bloom they are
often disappointing. Out of thirteen varieties — which I hoped from
description to be near the same colour — only the above two pleased
me.— F. £., Bolton.
A. You are asking for Roses that do not exist. We could name
some brilliant colours, but they have no special beauty of form ; indeed,
some are very thin. We do not know how you can find fault with
such a superb Rose as Charles Lefebvre or General Jacqueminot or
Duchess of Bedford. Such Roses need to be established a year or
two to see them in their real beauty, and you are expecting too
much the first season after planting. A few sorts that we think will
please you are Commandant Felix Faure, Comte Raimbaud, Hugh
Dickson, Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of Teck, Thomas Mills, and from
the H.T.'s Charles J. Grahame and General McArthur. Francois
Crousse and Ards Rover are also two brilliant colours, but these are
very vigorous, although they may be grown as free bushes.
Hybrid Tea Roses for Planting in Masses and for Show
Q. I enclose a list of dwarf H.T. Roses I have just marked, and
should be glad to know if you think them a good lot for bedding,
and also if suitable for local show. Mrs. W. J. Grant, Countess of
Derby, Dean Hole, Earl of Warwick, H. Armjtage Moore, Joseph
Hill, Lady Ashtown, Laurent Carle, Madame Abel Chatenay,
Madame Melanie Soupert, Monsieur Paul Lede, Mrs. D. McKee, Mrs.
Harold Brocklebank, Richmond, W. E. Lippiatt, William Shean,
Madame Hector Leuilliot (climber), Frau Philip Gedaldig. Is it
possible to transplant successfully during November, Hybrid Tea,
Roses (bush and standard) budded this summer on cutting Briar
— E. W. W., London Suburb.
24 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
A. Yes ; these may be transplanted in November, and they will
be tolerably successful, but we do not advise this being done if it can
possibly be avoided, as you would obtain nothing like the vigour
from the buds you would if the stocks were not disturbed. The list
you give is a very good one, and you will not be far wrong in plant-
ing the varieties named. There are a few good show Roses which
you might add, such as Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, Madame Jules
Gravereaux, Florence Pemberton, Madame Segond Weber, Lyon Rose,
Princess Mertchersky, and Yvonne Vacherot, that would be
immensely useful to you for exhibition purposes.
Roses for Pergola
Q. I have just put up a pergola in my garden in Hertfordshire,
and should be glad to know of a good selection of varieties to plant.
I want chiefly Roses that give good quality blooms. — E. W. W.
A. The selection given below, when established, cannot fail to
make a very beautiful feature of the garden. For a pergola to look
really well it is necessary that there should be a certain simultaneity
of flowering of the various sorts planted. As you wish to confine
your pergola to Roses we name a few fast growing sorts that should
be planted at intervals, say of about 8 yards. For east side the
following rapid growers are recommended, Dorothy Perkins,
Hiawatha, Edmund Proust, White Dorothy Perkins, Blush Rambler,
Delight. For the west side, Felicite Perpetue, Mrs. F. W. Flight,
Crimson Rambler, Lady Godiva, Madame Alfred Carriere, Minne-
haha. Plant about four varieties of the following in between each
set of two fast growers in the order named herewith. For east side,
Waltham Climber No. 1, Climbing Caroline Testout, Monsieur Desir,
Climbing La France, Aimee Vibert, Conrad F. Meyer, Kaiserin
Friedrich, J. B. Clark, Alister Stella Gray, Climbing Captain Christy,
Ulrich Brunner, Madame Jules Siegfried, Reine Marie Henriette,
Climbing Frau Karl Druschki, Reve d'Or, Madame Wagram, Boule
de Neige, Ella Gordon. On the west side, Gloire de Dijon, Gaston
Chandon, Climbing K. A. Victoria, Climbing Mrs. W. J. Grant,
Madame I. Periere, Crepuscule, Ards Rover, Nova Zembla, Madame
Berard, Francois Crousse, Climbing Devoniensis, Climbing Pride of
WTaltham, Zephirine Drouhin, Gloire Lyonnaise, Lady Waterlow,
Duchesse dAuerstadt, Hugh Dickson, Madame Hector Leuilliot, Dr.
Rouges, Mrs. Paul. The above selection is made primarily with the
object of providing a glorious show at one time, although they will
give Roses throughout a long period.
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ROSE GROWING 25
Six Darkest Roses
Q. Please name the six darkest red Roses for the garden. — W. E.,
IHxhop A uckland.
A. The following are good reliable sorts : Prince C. de Rohan,
Abel Carriere, Louis Ricard, Baron de Bonstetten, W. E. Lippiatt,
Charles Lefebvre.
ONE OF THE NEWER ROSES, H.T. MRS. SOPHIA NEATE,
BLUSH, ORANGE ROSE IN CENTRE. VERY FINE IN BUD.
Roses for North Border
Q. I should be glad to know which are the best Roses to plant on
a border facing north.— Deborah, Berks.
A. Most of the Rugosa or Japanese Roses would grow well on
this border, and we can recommend the following : Conrad F.
Meyer, grown as a pillar Rose ; Blanc double de Courbet, Madame
26 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Georges Bruant, Mercedes, Hose a parfum de 1'Hay, Mrs. Anthony
Waterer, Chedane Guinoisseau, and the single pink and single white
Rugosa for their lovely and showy fruit. The Penzance Briars would
do well in this border, and the Hybrid Briar Una would be a beautiful
object. Some of the Hybrid Chinese and Hybrid macrantha Roses,
such as Chenedale, Charles Lawson, Paul Ricart, Lady Sarah Wilson,
Mrs. O. G. Orpen, Lady Curzon would be fine, but let them be grown
as pillar Roses, or if not, give them plenty of space, say 4 feet each
way, so that they develop into good large bushes. The following
would also make more variety : Magna Charta, Heinrich Schultheis,
Boule de Neige, Clio, Madame Eugene Fremy, Cheshunt Hybrid,
Gruss an Teplitz, Pink Rover, Crimson Globe (Moss), Celestial
(Maiden's Blush), Madame Hardy (Damask).
Fragrant Climbing Roses for House Wall
Q. I want to plant a good climbing Rose, sweet scented, to cover
a house wall that faces due south. The forecourt is of cement, but I
have a hole some 2 by Ij feet already made. What variety do you
advise 1 Shall I plant in November, and how shall I prepare the
soil ? Also, I want a few quick climbers, sweet smelling if possible,
to grow on poles at the back of bed 15 feet long facing due south ;
what shall I get and how many ? I also want a few Roses to plant
on a lawn facing north ; will you recommend a long flowering variety ?
— E. W. //., Forest Gate.
A. In such a district as Forest Gate you require a good vigorous
variety, and as you desire a sweet smelling Rose we think Gruss an
Teplitz one of the best for your purpose. This is scarlet. If you
prefer a creamy white, then plant Madame Alfred Carriere. Some
good quick climbers for poles would be Hiawatha, Rene Andre, Blush
Rambler, Dorothy Perkins, Conrad F. Meyer, Noella Nabonnand,
Zephirine Drouhin. Some good perpetual flowering Roses to plant-
on lawn facing north would be Hugh Dickson, Mrs. John Laing,
Ulrich Brunner, Mme. Abel Chatenay, Grace Darling, Gustav Gruner,
wald, Madame Jules Grolez, Commandant Felix Faure, La France,
Augustine Guinoisseau, Charles Lefebvre, Prince C. de Rohan,
Senateur Vaisse.
Rambler Rose Dying Off
Q. Would you tell me the reason for a Crimson Rambler dying
off? The wood is going yellow and the leaves go yellow also and
fall off. It was planted in clay on light soil against the root of an
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ROSE GROWING 27
old dead Pear tree. I have other Ramblers in the garden 'which are
doing well. I enclose one or two leaves. — //. H. TV., Hornsey.
A. It may be that the plant has cankered at the junction where
it was budded, but we think most probably the cause could be traced
to its roots being in uncongenial soil of insufficient depth. We
advise you to have a larger hole dug out in autumn, taking care that
the soil is moved 3 feet deep and as much in width and breadth. In
returning soil mix with it some good manure, and after the soil has
lain for about two or three weeks replant your Rose, or, better still,
procure a new one on its own roots. These Roses are readily pro-
curable in this way now, and they are much superior to budded
plants.
Roses Failing
Q. I enclose two cuttings of two different trees. Can you tell me
the cause of their getting in this condition ? I planted twelve in a
bed 6 feet square in March. The bed was a new one ; 2 feet of soil
with 9 inches of stones under, and manure just below the roots, and
well manured on top. All of the trees are in the same state more or
less. I got the trees from a reputable firm. They have a fairly
sunny aspect. — E. D.y Bolton.
A. Your soil is probably too light for Roses, and you may have
given the bed too much drainage. The specimen growths sent
appeared as though the plants had been burnt up. Perhaps you did not
plant them firmly enough. Roses need to be planted very firmly,
and it is a good plan to go over the plantation a week afterwards and
press the soil again with the heel. It may be the plants had been
frozen at the root ere you received them, or perhaps you did not
prune them. Rose plants should be cut back hard the first season
after planting, to within 3 or 4 inches of the ground.
Climbing Roses Failing on West Wall
Q. On a wall facing west of a house I have recently taken there
are three Rose trees trained, Crimson Rambler, Hiawatha, and Gloire
de Dijon, the lower parts of which are nearly bare, and the remain-
ing leaves all affected by apparently the same disease. I enclose
specimens. Your advice would be esteemed. — Rosey, Salisbury.
A. All the Roses have suffered from red spider, a pest that
frequently attacks wall Roses. Crimson Rambler is notoriously
addicted to this when planted against a wall, the very worst position
for it, and it has probably given it to the others. We should advise
28 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
you to remove this Rose to the open garden in the autumn. Good
syringing upon the under side of foliage will stop the pest as much as
anything, and plain water should be frequently employed ; but at
intervals of about ten days syringe with a solution of liver of sulphur
made by dissolving 1 oz. of the sulphur in 10 gallons of water.
Roses on Wall Flowering at Top Only
Q. Roses planted against a wall have grown up immensely tall,
and only have leaves and blooms high up, because there was a thick
growth of other plants low down — i.e. up to 5 or 6 feet. These are
now removed, and the long, bare stems of the Roses look very
miserable. Had I better cut the Roses back and these bare stems,
leaving them, say, 3 feet high ? — M. de K., Essex.
A. Cut down the oldest stems of the Roses to within 2 to 3 feet
of the base in March. Bend down the remainder in a horizontal
direction, fastening them to the wall. This should induce them to
break into growth also near the base, after which you can cut off the
tops. Give the plants a mulching of manure as soon as pruned.
Artificial Manures for Roses
Q. I am unable to obtain farmyard manure. What is the best
artificial fertiliser to use ?— E. J. K., Caterham.
A. What is known as Tonks' manure is an excellent preparation,
and should be applied in February at the rate of j Ib. to 1 square
yard of surface. It is compounded as follows : Superphosphate of
lime, 12 parts ; nitrate of potash, 10 parts ; sulphate of magnesia,
2 parts; sulphate of iron, 1 part; sulphate of lime, 8 parts. It
should be well hoed in or lightly forked in.
Dried Blood as Manure
Q. I shall be glad to know whether, 1, this manure can be suc-
cessfully used in the growth of Roses, and if so, whether, 2, it should
be incorporated with the soil when trenching?— Amateur, S. Wales.
A. This is a very useful stimulant for all crops, but should only
be applied during the growing season. Apply about 1 oz. to the
square yard at intervals of two weeks, from May to July, forking or
hoeing it into the surface soil.
Half-inch Bones for Roses
Q. Will you enlighten me on the following ? I have been told
that if 4-inch bones are mixed with the soil in which Roses are to be
.B
OQ M
- H
w Q
Eg-
PH
33
30 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
planted, it makes them produce superabundance of roots and little
top. Also that it produces mildew, which works from the roots
upwards. Is this so ? — F. .#., Ipswich.
A. There is'no truth in the assertion that bones are injurious to
Roses, in fact it is the other way about, as you may see if you turn
out a pot Rose in which bones have been mixed with the soil.
Every little rootlet will quickly lay hold of the small particles.
Half-inch bones are more durable for outside planting. We should
advise about l£ Ib. to 2 Ib. to 2 bushels of soil, or say, two handfuls
for each plant, well mixing it with the soil. There should be farm-
yard manure applied at the same time if possible. Both standards
and Ramblers benefit by the application of £-inch bones.
Basic Slag and Kainit for Roses
Q. I have been told that these are good for Roses, but am ignor-
ant of the manner of using them. Can you help ? — Man of Kent.
A. Basic slag, being nearly half free lime, would be an excellent
dressing for land rich in organic matter. The basic slag contains
from 16 to 18 per cent, of phosphoric acid, and the kainit about
12 per cent, of potash. Do not apply more than 8 oz. per square
yard of the basic slag, and 2 oz. to 3 oz. of kainit. The mixture
should be dug in as deeply as may be done without injury to the
roots, and the earlier in the winter this is done the better will be the
effect the following season. In the spring, where the basic slag and
kainit have been used in the winter, you may apply a dressing of
2 parts superphosphate and 1 part sulphate of ammonia, pointing the
mixture very lightly into the soil or hoeing it in, 2 oz. to 3 oz. being
applied per square yard.
Rambler Roses and Others from Cuttings
Q. Please tell me the correct time to take cuttings of Sweet Briar,
climbing Polyantha, and Wichuraiana Roses. What kind of shoots
should be taken *? I am told that some Roses besides Gloire de
Dijon will flower with little or no sun. Could you kindly name
them ? I have struck various Teas in water. Will the above kinds
answer thus ? — Enquirer, Shrewsbury.
A. The best time to put in cuttings of the Rambler Roses and
other hardy kinds is early in October. Good, well ripened growths
are best. Those that have flowered the same year make up into
very good cuttings. You could first take off the laterals that bore
the blossom, if possible securing a heel or piece of the old wood, and
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ROSE GROWING 31
cut this through with a sharp knife. The cuttings should be about
8 inches in length. Sometimes these laterals will make two or three
cuttings. Use the strongest wood you can get, providing it is not
soft and pithy. Plant them in the open garden on a piece of well
dug soil, and let the rows be about 12 inches apart, and the cuttings
IF CUTTINGS OP ROSES ARE INSERTED IN A FLOWER POT
FILLED WITH SANDY SOIL IN LATE SUMMER OR EARLY
AUTUMN, THEY WILL FORM ROOTS IN A FEW WTEEKS IF
PLACED UNDER A HANDLIGHT IN A GREENHOUSE.
about 4 inches apart in the rows. They should be put in almost
their full depth, merely leaving about | inch above the soil, and be
careful to tread them in very tightly. It is a good plan to put a
little sandy soil for the ends of cuttings to rest on. Most Roses
prefer sunshine, but the Scotch Roses will grow in the shade, also
the Rugosa or Japanese tribe. We should not advise you to strike
A ROSE CUTTING TWO MONTHS AFTER INSERTION. IT WAS
TAKEN IN AUGUST AND TREATED AS DESCRIBED ON THE
PREVIOUS PAGE. THE ROOTS MAY BE SEEN.
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ROSE GROWING 33
these Rambler Roses in water, as it would be too late in the year for
this method of rooting them. They would strike very well in water
the same as Tea Roses, but you would need to put the cuttings in
in July in the greenhouse.
Spraying Roses for Mildew
Q. My Roses are now (September) covered with mildew. What
can I do to cure them ?— S. E. T., Reading.
A. Towards the end of summer, when the leaves of Roses are
white with mildew, people are anxious to know what they can do to
check the disease ; but it is then too late to save the plants from
disfigurement. The white part seen on the leaves is the fruiting
stage of the fungus, which has already been on the plant for
a considerable period. If, however, preventive measures are taken
early in the year, the fungus does not obtain a firm footing. An ex-
cellent time to spray for mildew is early spring, just as growth is
commencing. The spraying ought to be done twice or thrice, at
intervals of a fortnight. Bordeaux mixture is one of the most
suitable preparations to use. It can be prepared as follows :
Dissolve 3 Ib. of copper sulphate in warm water, placing the
mixture in a barrel holding 22 gallons. In another vessel slake
2 Ib. of fresh burnt lime, and make to the consistency of a creamy
whitewash ; then strain through canvas into the barrel of sulphate
solution, make up to 22 gallons with water, stir well, and apply as a
fine spray to every part of the branches. If this spraying is per-
severed with, very little mildew will appear later in the year.
Climbing Roses for Unheated Greenhouse
Q. Please name the best six climbing Roses for small, sunny,
unheated greenhouse. — H. E. J., Walthamstoiv.
A . The following are six good climbers for this purpose ; Bouquet
d'Or, Cheshunt Hybrid, W. A. Richardson, Francois Crousse, Climb-
ing C. Testout, Climbing Frau Karl Druschki.
Climbing Roses for Heated Greenhouse
Q. I am about to plant two climbing Roses in my conservatory to
cover the wall. The house is a leanto, facing north-east, the floor
bricked. Would it be best to take up a few bricks and plant in the
earth or plant in tubs 1 The sorts I intend planting are Niphetos and
Marechal Niel. Please tell me how to treat them. — Scale^ Witter-
sham.
D
34 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
A. Unless you can prepare holes fully 3 feet deep and as much in
width, and fill them with good soil, we should advi.se you to plant
the two climbing Roses in tubs. Procure extra strong pot grown
plants, and in transplanting be careful only to remove crocks and a
little of the soil on the top edges. Soak the ball of soil in a bucket
of water for a few minutes before planting. With these pot grown
plants no pruning is needed the first year.
ROSE LITTLE PET GROWN IN A FLOWER POT.
Soil for Potting Roses
Q. Can I use ordinary soil from the garden borders for potting
Roses ? — Enquirer, Blackheath.
A. A potting soil for Roses should contain a fair amount of
turfy soil. The .garden soil sent is anything but this. It might
be used in a small proportion with loam, otherwise we should
not advise you to take much trouble in storing it. Try to procure
the top spit from some pasture land, and stack this with alternate
layers of cow manure ; then in twelve months you will have some
good compost in which you can grow some grand Roses.
Roses for Christinas
for
Q. I am about to build a greenhouse. What is the earliest time
Roses to flower, as I would like some for Christmas 1 Please
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ROSE GROWING 35
name six best Roses for early forcing. Would pots be best for forc-
ing Roses as I would like to use them 1 — C. W. C., Warwick.
A. Roses can be had in bloom by Christmas. The plants should
be in pots and well established. Try your nurseryman for two year
old plants that have not recently been repotted. These would give
you the best results. Sometimes there are nursery sales where
you could procure suitable plants. The six best sorts for early
forcing would be Liberty, Madame Abel Chatenay, Richmond,
Madame Ravary, Madame Hoste, Mrs. W. J. Grant. You must
allow about three months between the starting of the Roses and
ROSE MMB. N. LEVAVASSEUR (CRIMSON), AN EXCELLENT VARIETY
FOR GROWING IN POTS IN THE GREENHOUSE.
36 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
their blossoming, therefore you should obtain the plants in Sep-
tember, and prune them lightly by the last week of that month.
Bush Roses in Pots
Q. Kindly inform me how to treat bush Hoses in pots (jiist
finished flowering in greenhouse) from now (May) up till the time of
flowering in greenhouse next spring.— G. H., Colchester.
ROSE AENNCHEN MULLER (ROSE-PINK), AN ADMIRABLE
ROSE FOR THE GREENHOUSE.
A. The plants that have just finished flowering should be
placed outdoors on a bed of ashes, covering the pots with ashes up
to the rim. Take care they do not become dry, and keep all flower
buds pinched off. In September the plants should be repotted into
a size larger pot if the pots are full of roots, but if not very well
rooted merely top dress them. This is done by removing about 1
inch or so of the top soil, then sprinkling a little Clay's Fertilizer upon
the soil, and filling up the space with fresh soil, such as good loam
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ROSE GROWING 37
and weli decayed manure in equal parts. Keep the plants outdoors
on the ashes until November, then place them in a sheltered spot
until Christmas. At this time they should be pruned, cutting back
the current season's growths to three or fdtir buds. The plants may
then either be placed in the greenhouse or in a cold frame. If in
the greenhouse commence with a temperature of about 45° at night,
increasing to about 50° by day. As growths develop the temperature
may be increased up to 65° by day, about 10° less by night.
Roses for Forcing
Q. I am anxious to have a few pot Roses in bloom in my green-
house in spring. How do I proceed 1 — H. E. $., Stowrbridge.
A. The best results are always obtained when the plants have
been established in their pots a year, but plants from the open
ground, if potted up early in October and placed at once in a cold
frame, may be put into a gentle heat about February and will yield
some very good blossoms. If you elect to do this you should make
a selection from the Hybrid Perpetuals and Hybrid Teas, and for
your guidance we would name the following as being suitable : Frau
Karl Druschki, Caroline Testout, La France, Mrs. John Laing,
Captain Hay ward, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Liberty, Madame Ravary,
Ulrich Brunner, and Duke of Wellington. Procure plants on the
Briar, and when obtained trim over their roots a little and cut off
all foliage, and reduce the length of the shoots to about 18 inches.
A compost of 3 parts good loam, 1 part well decayed old manure,
and some j;-inch bones, about 3 Ib. to a barrowful of compost. Mix
all well together and keep in an open rainproof shed. Use either 7-
or 8-inch pots, and be careful to pot very firm. If weather is dry
after potting give them a watering with a fine rose can and put
plants on a bed of ashes in the frame, but keep the lights off night
and day until frosts threaten.
Marechal Niel Rose in Greenhouse
Q. In December I planted a Marechal Niel Rose in greenhouse.
This has made four strong shoots, one 12 feet long and three some-
what shorter ; these I have trained on separate wires about 6 inches
from roof ; should the points of these be pinched out now (July) ?
There are also side shoots growing from these four ; should they be
stopped ? Kindly advise me.—/. M. P., Southend.
A. Your plant has made very good growth. As to what you cut
away depends upon the condition of the growths. If well hardened
38 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
only a few inches of extreme ends of all shoots need be removed, but
if the shoots are soft and sappy then cut away 2 or 3 feet of each.
There is yet time for the growths to ripen if you just pinch out
the points and give as much air as possible, at the same time keep
dry. About the early part of the year is soon enough for this Rose to
start into new growth. Cut back the side or lateral growths in
January to one or two eyes from main growth.
Various Roses in Town Greenhouse
Q. I have two glasshouses, one is a cold hou-e 7 by 8 feet, and
about 10 feet high, a leanto ; the glass comes to within 6 inches of
the ground. I should like to grow some Roses in it. No Roses will
grow outside. There is a disused chemical works at the back, I
suppose that is the reason, and also being near the city.— A. K.,
Glasgow.
A . You are of course heavily handicapped in being near a large
city and also near chemical works. Still you should be able to grow
some good Roses in the cold greenhouse if you provide the plants
with good soil to root into and afford them liquid manure in
the growing season. Under glass there is always a tendency for the
Hydrid Perpetual Roses to run to wood instead of flowering. You
must check this by pruning very sparingly. Treat the plants more
as pillar Roses or as climbers. You could easily put Bamboo canes
about 5 to 6 feet high in the tubs and tie growths loosely to them,
then in pruning merely shorten back to one or two eyes the side or
lateral growths that eventually appear. Caroline Testout would be
much more serviceable than Victor Hugo. Instead of J. B. Clark we
would advise you to plant Hugh Dickson, and if you could find
room for a yellow plant Madame Ravary, which gives such delightful
buds.
CHAPTER II
Carnations in Winter and Summer
Perpetual Flowering Carnations Out of Doors
Q. Are perpetual flowering Carnations of any value for growing
out of doors ? — E. J. W., Hampton.
A. Yes, they are invaluable. If put out in May they bloom all
the summer, until October in fact. They are most accommodating.
Plants that have flowered in the greenhouse throughout the winter
will bloom out of doors the following summer, if planted out in
May. They are put out in ground that has been well dug; they
need no attention beyond watering during dry weather, staking and
an occasional application of artificial manure, this being sprinkled
round about the plants and hoed in.
Perpetual Flowering Carnations in Greenhouse
Q. Can one grow Perpetual Flowering Carnations in an unheated
greenhouse 1 — X. Y. Z., Buda.
A. No ; they need an average winter temperature of 55° ; that is
to say that the thermometer must not fall below 45° in cold weather,
while during sunny days it may rise to 60° or higher. When the
latter temperature is reached a little air should be given.
Perpetual Flowering Carnations from Cuttings
Q. Is it difficult to raise them from cuttings ? — Adrian, Suanage.
A . No ; providing the material in which the cuttings are inserted
is warmed. They are rooted most successfully in fine sand (silver
sand is perhaps the best). Boxes some 3 or 4 inches deep are filled
with sand, the cuttings are dibbled in and made as firm at the base
as is possible. The boxes are then placed on the hot water pipes.
It is wise .to have the boxes prepared a few days before the cuttings
are put in so that the sand may get warm. If the sand is watered
before the cuttings are put in, probably little more will be
required. However, the sand must not be allowed to get really dry-
The best cuttings are those taken from towards the base of flower-
ing stems. They are put in preferably during January, February
and March, although they may be inserted until June. The box
39
t;
CARNATIONS IN WINTER AND SUMMER 41
containing the cuttings is covered with a piece of glass ; this should
be turned over every morning to allow the moisture that gathers
to disperse.
About Tree or Perpetual Flowering Carnations
Q. Will you please advise me as to tree Carnations 1 I received
them in April, just out of thumb pots, the plants being 3 or 4 inches
high. I potted into 60's in rich soil rather too tightly, I think,
because the foliage grew somewhat crinkled. However, they got
over that, and in July I potted on into 48's and 32's (according to the
condition of the
roots), this time in
the Chrysanthe-
mum compost with
an extra liberal
allowance of mor-
tar rubbish, and
ramming less hard
than I do the
Ch ry santhemums.
Some threw up
stems for blooms,
but these I pinched
back close, and all
are now (August)
healthy and well
on boards in the
sun. The growths
are 10 to 12 inches
long, and pots full
of roots. Kindly
advise whether I
shall be right to
give similar treat-
ment to that which
usually suits Chry-
santhemums. — J.
/. P., Leivisham.
A . Y e s ; you WHEN THE CUTTINGS ARE WELL ROOTED AND
should trpaf tli POTTED OFF, THE TOP OF THE GROWTH
IS PINCHED OUT TO INDUCE OTHER SHOOTS
plants as regards TO FORM.
42 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
potting and housing in the same way that is suitable for Chrysanthe-
mums. But, of course, it is not advisable to ram down the compost
too firmly. Some feeding will be necessary when the flower stems
commence to run up. Leave space for top dressing. You were
rather late in potting ; the final potting should be done in June. It
is a mistake to stop the shoots at the time of potting.
Winter Carnations
Q. How should Perpetual Flowering Carnations be grown so as
to provide flowers from October until April ? — J. J., Bristol.
A. Briefly, this is the method of treatment. Cuttings are inserted
in January as already described. They will be rooted in 6 weeks.
They are then potted in small pots, turfy soil with plenty of sand
intermixed, being used. It is wise to give little or no air for a week
afterwards, so as to help the plants to root quickly in the fresh soil.
The plants are kept in the greenhouse until early May. They are
then put out of doors, or else in a cold frame ; the latter is pre-
ferable, because heavy rains can be kept off. They need all the
fresh air possible. The pots are plunged to the rims in ashes,
whether the plants are out of doors or in a frame. They must be
given larger pots as they need it, or in other words as soon as well
rooted. It is usual to repot in April, and again finally in June,
flower- pots of 6 or 7 inches diameter being used on the latter occa-
sion. Use a soil mixture of turfy soil 2 parts, and old manure, such
as that from a mushroom bed, 1 part. Failing this, use 1 part soot and
£ inch bones, 3 parts turfy soil. In September the plants are
brought into the greenhouse and will begin to bloom in October.
Probably no fire heat will be necessary at first to maintain a night
temperature of 45° to 50°. The question of "stopping" or pinching
out the points of the young shoots is an important matter : the
object is to make the plants bushy. The first stopping becomes
necessary in April when the plants are potted for the second time.
The top of the little plant is pinched out, only some five joints being
left. Several shoots will develop. These must also be stopped
when about 3 inches long. Stopping the shoots should cease at
the end of July. It is most important to keep the 'soil moist through-
out the summer : this is accomplished by watering thoroughly where
the soil appears to be getting dry. During the winter the plants
need far less water than in summer, but the soil must still be kept
moist ; an occasional sprinkling of fertiliser should be given, say
every three weeks.
IT
44 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Twelve Good Perpetual Carnations
Q. Can you give the names of 12 good varieties] — Anxious,
Birm ingham.
A. New sorts are being brought out ever)- year now. The follow-
ing are some of the best of those in commerce : Britannia, red ;
Enchantress, pink ; Afterglow, rosy-cerise ; Jessica, white with red
marking ; Mrs. Burnett, salmon-pink ; Hose Pink Enchantress,
rose-pink ; Winsor, silvery-pink ; Victory, scarlet ; White Perfec-
tion, a beautiful white ; Royal Purple, purple ; Mrs. Lawson, cerise-
pink ; Harlowarden, dark crimson ; Black Chief, dark crimson ;
Aurora, buff shade.
Preparing Beds for Border Carnations
Q. I am about to buy a collection of good varieties of Carnations.
How should I prepare the ground for them ? — Nemo., Brighton.
A . In order that this plant may bear up well in a hot, dry season,
the soil should be dug deeply. As your soil has only six inches of
good soil and thin clay below, we should advise you to have the
ground dug 18 inches deep, taking care that the clay is kept at the
bottom. A layer of manure should be put in the bottom and
another layer 6 or 8 inches below the surface. Having so trenched
the land you could then mark out the paths and put the soil on top
of beds. You must look out for wireworm, as this pest is very pre-
valent in old pastures. Give the soil a dressing of Vaporite or Kilogrub
as you plant. We think for this season we should keep the plants in
their pots during the winter, seeing that the soil is not ready-
When the soil is prepared in good time then we prefer to plant
out the rooted layers in October. A cold frame is a good place to
keep the plants, and they are not afraid of cold and some frost.
Keep the lights well tilted during wet weather ; in fact, the hardier
they are brought up the better. A little lime added to the soil when
trenching would be an advantage. Well rotted manure is best to
use. A dressing of well rotted manure to the surface after planting
is very helpful.
Best Scarlet Border Carnation
Q. Please say which is the best Scarlet Carnation. — W. P.,
Romford.
A . The best Scarlet Carnation is Cardinal (Douglas). There is
another one of this name. Twelve good Carnations for amateurs :
Agnes Sorrel, Benbow, Charles Martel, Cardinal, Daffodil, Helen
CARNATIONS IN WINTER AND SUMMER 45
Countess of Kadnor, John Pope, Lara, Miss Ellis, Miss Willmott,
Trojan.
Border Carnations from Cuttings
Q. Will you please tell me if it is possible to grow Border
Carnations from cuttings ?— E. D. S.t Swansea.
CARNATION ELIZABETH SHIFFNER (ORANGE- YELLOW),
THE FINEST NEW BORDER CARNATION.
A. Some people like to root border Carnations, and especially
the Clove section, from cuttings, and October is the time to begin.
They may be inserted in a sandy compost either in pots or boxes and
46 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
after being watered should be placed for the winter in a cold frame,
which, being kept always close, preserves the leaves from flagging.
Many of the Pinks also may be rooted in the same manner, the best
cuttings being those broken off with a heel — piece of old stem.
Mule Pinks should be treated similarly : some of these, of which
Napoleon III. may be mentioned, require to be renewed annually
from cuttings.
Twenty-four Carnations that are Really Fragrant
Q. So many Border Carnations are scentless, that I should be
glad to learn of two dozen really fragrant sorts. — Helen, Derby.
A. Mr. James Douglas recommends the following as being
fragrant varieties : Agnes Sorrel, Banshee, Beauty, Bella Donna,
Bertie, Boadicea, Burn Pink, Castilian, Charm, Chloris, Countess of
Paris, Cupid, Enid, Floradora, Helen Countess of Radnor, H. J. Cut-
bush, Mr. W. Incledon, Much the Miller, Narses, Pink Beauty,
Queen of Scots, R. Berkeley, Tantallon, Twilight.
Best 12 Self and Fancy Carnations and 12 Picotees
Q. I should be glad to know which you consider to be the best 12
Self-coloured Carnations, the best 12 Fancy Carnations, and the best
12 Picotees 1—E. 0. W., Bexley.
A. Self-coloured Carnations : Daffodil, W. H. Parton, Cassandra,
Miss Shiffner, Sir Bevys, Hildegarde, Isinglass, Benbow, Lady Her-
mione, Miss Willmot, Mrs. E. Hambro', Francis Samuelson. Fancies :
Argosy, Horsa, Monarch, Liberte, Lady Ardilaun, Merlin, Ivo
Sebright, Richness, Yeoman, Professor Cooper, Banshee, Rony
Buchanan. Picotees : Dalkeith, Mrs. W. Heriot, Hesperia, Childe
Harold, Duchess of Roxburghe, Lady St. Oswald, Gronow, The
Pilgrim, Lauzan, Daniel Defoe, Gertrude, Amy Robsart.
Carnation Attacked by Eelworm
Q. Will you kindly hold a post mortem on enclosed corpse of
Carnation, and announce result? The flower stalk looked gouty. —
S. M. K., Sutton.
A. The portion of stem was swarming with stem eel worm (Tylen-
chus devastatrix) and its eggs. The full grown eel worm is about ^V inch
long, and in appearance resembles a tiny eel, with both ends pointed,
the hind end specially so. The refuse of infested plants should be
burned, and the place whence they have been uprooted, in the case
of Carnations, soaked with a solution of formalin (formaldehyde
40 per cent.), 1 fluid oz. to 5 pints of water, in order to destroy the
CARNATIONS IN WINTER AND SUMMER 47
pests in the immediate vicinity of the diseased root, as well as where
it has been. After this treatment, and in the course of a fortnight or
three weeks, the ground may be dressed with basic slag and 6 oz. of
kainit per square yard, forking into the ground about 6 inches deep,
and leaving until February, then fork over the ground a spit (10 to
12 inches) deep, breaking up well. Shortly afterwards, and before
sowing seeds or setting plants, apply a top dressing, to be lightly
pointed or raked in, of a mixture of 2 parts superphosphate and
1 part sulphate of ammonia, applying 2 Ib. of the mixture per rod, or
2 oz. per square yard. As a further precaution against eelworm and
other ground pests, the ground may be dressed with Vaporite.
Diseases that attack Carnations
Q. Can you give me a few notes on such diseases as commonly
attack Carnations, together with preventives and remedies ? — //. T. J.,
Hereford.
A. Several diseases cause sad work with Carnations, particularly
mildew, green fly, eelworm, wireworm, spot disease of the leaves,
and earwigs. If your plants are grown indoors a great deal may be
done to prevent disease by giving suitable cultural conditions. A
rather dry atmosphere is required, with free ventilation without
draughts. Mildew may be kept in check by dusting affected plants
with sulphur. In the case of spot disease the worst of the leaves
should be removed and burnt, and the remainder dusted with
sulphur. Plants that are very badly affected ought to be burnt;
plants affected by eelworms ought also to be burnt. Green fly
may be kept in check indoors by fumigating, and outdoors by
syringing with soft soap water into every 3 gallons of which ^ pint
of paraffin has been well mixed. Wireworms often cause serious
injury by boring through stems and roots. They may be caught
by trapping with pieces of Carrot or Potato placed 1 inch or so
beneath the surface. These traps ought to be examined each
morning and the wireworms destroyed. Earwigs may be trapped
by placing small pots partly filled with dry moss amongst the
plants. Earwigs will get in amongst the moss for shelter, and may
be caught and destroyed.
CHAPTER III
Sweet Pea Difficulties Made Clear
Selection of Sweet Peas
Q. Please say how you would improve on the following collection
of Sweet Peas, most of which I have .already got. 1, Zephyr ; 2,
Crimson Paradise ; 3, Evelyn Hemus ; 4, Paradise Ivory ; 5, Paradise
Carmine ; 6, Constance Oliver ; 7, Elsie Herbert ; 8, Olive Ruflell ;
9, Mrs. Charles Foster; 10, Helen Paradise ; 11, Gladys Burt ; 12,
Edna Unwin ; 13, Clara Curtis ; 14, Arthur Unwin ; 15, Master-
piece ; 16, George North Improved : 17, Mrs. H. Bell ; 18, Etta
Dyke; 19, Marjorie Willis ; 20, Syeira Lee. — R. G., Ellon.
A. The list of varieties is a strong one. I should add Douglas
Unwin or Prince of Asturias for a maroon ; Mrs. Hardcastle Sykes
or Princess Victoria for a blush ; The Marquis or Tennant Spencer
for mauve ; and Helen Pierce for a veined blue. These will make
up two dozen.
Manure for Sweet Peas
Q. I have prepared 2 -feet trenches for growing Sweet Peas next
year, and have mixed with the soil, which is fairly rich, a good
supply of j-inch bones. In my yard I have a well which receives
the drainings from the stables of six horses. Would the sediment
and the liquid be safe applied now (November) ? And what quantity
should be used ? Would you advise letting it remain on the ground
until spring or digging in at the time applied ? Would the result
from this be equal to stable or cow manure 1— H. J. F., Portsmouth.
A. On the whole the ground would benefit by the contents of the
well ; the only drawback is that it may tend to make the soil slimy.
If you have left the ground rough and lumpy you may safely put the
stuff on direct, otherwise you should mix it with ashes before apply-
ing it. You might put it on 2 inches thick. Leave it on the surface
before turning it in. It could hardly be so good as stable manure,
because it would produce less humus ; still, it has got to be disposed
of somehow. The best plan of all would be to use it on ground to
be planted with Greens, and employ stable manure and chemicals for
the Sweet Peas.
48
SWEET PEA DIFFICULTIES MADE CLEAR 49
Sweet Pea Buds Falling
Q. I wonder if you can tell me what causes my Sweet Pea buds
to fall off just as they are coining out. The plants look perfectly
healthy, but all the first flowers have been taken in this way,
leaving the stalk on just as if the buds had been picked off. I
enclose you some stalks, one of which has a bud just falling. — $. «/.,
Oxted.
A. The earliest buds often fall, and little anxiety need be felt as
the later ones are not affected. The cold wet weather of which we
have had so much this summer is no doubt responsible for the
flowers falling. If you have been overdosing them with manure the
buds would naturally fall.
Preparing Ground for Sweet Peas
Q. I wish to grow Sweet Peas on ground which is of a very heavy
nature ; about 18 inches down there is a kind of blue clay, which is
sticky when wet — it is like cutting soap. I propose going down
about 2 feet, putting in road grit and manure, mixing well. Should
I be doing right in incorporating with the manure, etc., basic slag, or
would lime do as well 1 If so, in what proportions should I use
either, or both ? Should kainit and lime be applied when preparing
ground, or is it best to put on top of ground and hoe it in after
trenches are filled ?— In Z>oubt, Enjield.
A. Do not bring the clayey subsoil to the surface, but thoroughly
break it up and leave it below. Apply the basic slag at the rate of
4 oz. per square yard and mix it with the soil about 9 inches below
the surface. Apply lime at the rate of 8 oz. per square yard, and
put it on the surface. Both should be applied in the autumn, but the
lime one month after the basic slag. Four ounces of kainit per square
yard may be mixed with the latter and applied at the same time.
About Stopping Sweet Peas
Q. Is there any advantage in snipping off the tops of Sweet Pea
plants when a few inches high 1 — Doubtful, Harrow.
A, When Sweet Peas grow to the height of about 3 inches and
are then stopped, it has the effect of making the plants break out
from the base. Thus the Sweet Peas become bushy, producing more
growths from the base than would otherwise be the case. Pinching
back, provided it is not carried out to excess, also induces an
increased formation of roots, which is an advantage, especially to
floriferous plants like Sweet Peas. Plants which have been pinched
E
50 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
do not ultimately attain the same height as plants which are not
stopped, that is providing other conditions are equal. At the same
time, if the plants are stopped once only in their lifetime the
difference in height is not very great. This method is chiefly
advisable with weakly plants.
Growing Sweet Peas in pots
Q. Please give concise directions for growing Sweet Peas in pots
to bloom from April to June.— E. W. £., Southen-1.
THIS SWEET PEA IS OF THE VARIETY DOROTHY
ECKFORD, AND WAS GROWN FROM ONE SEED SOWN
IN A MIDLAND GARDEN.
52 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
A. Seeds are sown in September, 5 or 6 seeds round the edge of
a 5 inch wide flower pot. Keep in a cold frame until December,
then bring in greenhouse. Temperature should not exceed 50°
without sunheat. Neither should it fall below 40° in cold weather.
Use a fairly light soil, turfy soil two thirds, leaf soil and sand one
third. In January the plants will be only about 6 inches high, but
with a little sunshine they will grow rapidly, being by then well
rooted. Keep the soil fairly moist. More water will be needed as
growth becomes more vigorous- Give a little air when the ther-
mometer registers 55° under the influence of sunshine. Occasional
applications of Clay's Fertilizer much diluted may be given from
March onwards.
Sweet Peas Killed by Pea Mould
Q. Can you tell me what is the matter with the Sweet Peas I
send you ? They have been quite a failure. — E, 0. H., Walsall.
A. The plants are quite dead at the roots, reduced to the con-
dition of thin rusty wire, and the leaves are all dried up, browned,
and more or less dead. They have been destroyed by the Pea
mould (Peronospora trifoliorum var. viciae). Wet weather favours
the fungus. With better weather the plants should improve, as the
fungus is not only an early affection, but is also retarded by fine dry
weather. The plants may possibly be benefited by watering with
a solution of iron sulphate, | oz. to 1 gallon of water, using this
along both sides of the row, but not over the plants, and if these
have the rootstems sound it is likely they may recruit, otherwise
there is very little hope of betterment. You may use the sulphate
of iron solution once a week, and as a general fertiliser for Sweet
Peas a solution containing | oz. each of superphosphate of lime
and kainit (high quality), and ^ oz. each of nitrate of soda and
iron sulphate to 4 gallons of water. Of course, this must not be used
where the iron sulphate solution is employed, and it is advisable to
alternate this with lime water, adding a tablespoonful of soot to
each gallon of lime', forming the soot into a paste previously so that
it can be readily mixed. All the diseased plants, as they go off,
should be pulled up and burned, not leaving any part of the haulm
in the ground, not even portions of leaves.
Sweet Peas in Same Spot Year after Year
Q. My garden is so small that I shall be compelled to grow
Sweet Peas in the same place year after year. How am I to treat
SWEET PEA DIFFICULTIES MADE CLEAR 53
the soil ? Will any system of manuring be successful, or must
I have fresh soil for each crop ? — C. L. S.t Surrey.
A. It is advisable, though not really necessary, to remove a
portion of the soil and replace it with fresh. Trench the ground
3 feet deep, and put in some well rotted manure, and also a dressing
of superphosphate at the rate of 4 oz. per square yard. The plants
would derive much benefit from a dressing of superphosphate at the
rate of 2 oz. per yard run of row while they are growing. Keep the
powder from the haulm.
Pig Manure for Sweet Peas
Q. Will you be so good as to give me your opinion of pig manure
for Sweet Peas 1 I am digging my trenches now (November) 4 feet
deep, and propose putting the pig manure under the bottom spit.
The soil is 15 inches light top soil and fine sand underneath, no
gravel or clay at all. Will lime be of any use in this soil, besides
superphosphate of lime 1 — R. (7., Surrey.
A. Yes; you may mix the pig manure freely with the soil
about 10 inches below the surface. Do not use lime now, but
apply superphosphate of lime at the rate of 2 oz. per yard run
of row, when the plants are growing freely. Commence in April
and give applications every twenty days or so.
CHAPTER IV
Flower Garden Trials and Troubles
How to Destroy Worms on a Lawn
Q. Will you please tell me if there is any possible way of ridding
a bowling green of worms, or of stopping them from lifting the
surface in the autumn 1— W. JP., Reading.
A. You may place 1 peck of lime in 20 gallons of water and stir
the mixture well. Then allow it to settle and add another 20
gallons of water. When the liquid has once more settled and is
clear, water the lawn with it through a fine rosed watering-can.
The worms will come to the surface, when they may be swept up.
Apply in autumn and spring.
Quantity of Lawn Seed to Sow
Q. Can you tell me how much lawn seed to sow for a lawn
of 600 square yards.—//. J. E., Harrow.
A. The usual quantity of lawn seed to sow is about 40 Ib. to
50 Ib. per acre. To sow 600 square yards would therefore need
about 5 Ib. or 6 Ib. of seed . Providing your ground is well prepared
and level, the seed might be sown at any time now (March). Choose
a quiet day when there is little or no wind to carry the seed about
at the time of sowing, and be sure that you obtain good lawn seed
from a reliable nurseryman. Sow across from north to south and
from east to west.
Weeds on Lawn
Q. Will you kindly advise me the best way to eradicate a weed
from my lawn ? This starts with small plants, and finally becomes
quite a large patch, and these patches are now spreading consider-
ably. The weeds grow so close that little if any grass grows through
hem.— F. N. Hulton, East Sheen.
A. Lawn sand will destroy Daisies on lawn, and would destroy
this (Plaintain). This is the cheapest and simplest way we know
of getting rid of such weeds. It must be applied in spring, just
before the grass begins to grow. It may be had of all seed merchants
and sundriesmen, with directions how to use. It has the effect of
54
FLOWER GARDEN TRIALS AND TROUBLES 55
turning the grass brown for a time, but it quickly recovers. Or
you might dig up the roots with an old knife, and if necessary sow
fresh seed.
How to Look After a Lawn
Q. I have recently sown down a lawn. Please give me a few
hints on how to attend to it during the season. — M. T. E.,
Hampstead.
A. Protecting the seeds until they have taken root is important,
for if left unprotected birds will destroy more than half of them.
Black thread stretched across the ground helps to keep them away.
The young grass as soon as it starts grows rapidly at this time of the
year (April), and at the end of three weeks after sowing it will have
made sufficient progress to be safe from further molestation. Other
means adopted for keeping birds away are netting, and setting up
scarecrows with old clothes, etc. The young grass should be rolled
as soon as it has attained the height of 2 inches. This consolidates
the soil round the roots, and causes them to spread more freely.
For the first three times the young grass is best cut with a scythe.
It should be cut the first time as soon as it is 6 inches long and
afterwards every three weeks, when for the rest of the season the
lawn mower may be used, but the knives of the machine must not
be set lower than ^ inch from the surface for the first month, and
not at any time to cut so low as to injure the heart of the young
grass plants. If all has gone on well, the lawn may be lightly used
for play at the end of the summer, but it would be better to defer
doing so until the following season. Should the spring and summer
prove to be exceptionally dry, the grass, especially in the early
stages of growth, should receive copious waterings.
Renovating the Lawn
Q. Is the present (October) a good time to set about improving
a lawn. If so, what should be done? — Anxious, Stockport.
A. One may do a great deal towards ensuring a good sward
by attending to the lawn in the autumn. Now that the lawn mower
may almost be discontinued, large weeds should be dug out, the
holes filled with soil, and the lawn well rolled— indeed, rolling in
the autumn has a very beneficial effect, as it keeps the worms down
and makes the green firm. Late in the autumn is the time to spread
over the grass a light dressing of old manure and soot. It may not
be very sightly, but it does improve the grass, and one can afford to
put up with a little unsightliness during the winter months
56 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Improving Neglected Lawn
Q. Would you tell me what I can do with a lawn which has
been so neglected that the greater part consists of Plaintains. To
root them up looks an endless task. — JJox, Wallingford.
A. The best and most economical method of restoring a lawn is
to feed it every autumn or spring time. Turf requires food like all
other kinds of plant. Use the remains of a Cucumber bed or, better
still, well rotted manure. Have it finely sifted and mixed with
loam or soil, and give the turf a dressing of 2 Ib. to the square yard.
To repeat the quantity in February or March will do good. Plain-
tains can be removed by sulphuric acid, 1 drop to the crown of each
weed ; but as it is destructive of other than vegetable matter it
must be confined in a bottle, allowing only 1 drop to escape.
Moss On Walks
Q. The walks in my garden are covered with moss. "What is the
best way to get rid of it ? — E. J. K., Wallingford.
A . The best way to destroy moss on gravel walks is to dig the
gravel over, burying the moss in the bottom. Lay the gravel in
the best position to throw off the water, and roll it down firmly.
If the walk cannot be turned, sprinkle salt over the surface in
sufficient quantity to give it a white appearance, picking a dry
time for the work ; or use one of the advertised weed killers, mixed
in the way advised by the manufacturers. Moss is often troublesome
owing to the dampness of the soil ; and when this is the case nothing
short of draining the spot will permanently get over the difficulty.
Top Dressing a Lawn
Q. My lawn is thin and the grass does not seem to flourish.
Would a top dressing of manure improve it? if so, when should
this be applied 1 — Lawn, Herts.
A. The best time for doing this is the late autumn ; the early
part of November will be found suitable. It would be far better
to apply a mixture of half rotted short manure, together with an
equal bulk of old potting soil and a bag of soot, than to apply soot
as a dressing alone, for we note that the soil is chiefly sand and
is lacking in substance. Let the dressing be applied evenly all
over the surface to the depth of about 1 inch, and use about half
as much soot as potting soil. Leave the dressing to be washed in
by the rains. In late January or February the dressing should be
repeated.
FLOWER GARDEN TRIALS AND TROUBLES 57
When to Put down Weed Killer
Q. Will you advise me which is the best time of the year to put
down weed killer for the destruction of weeds on paths and drives
— in the spring, when they begin to grow, or in the autumn or
winter ? — A. B., Saxmundkam.
A. The weed killer will have a more lasting effect if applied in
THE BEAUTIFUL PALE BLUE DELPHINIUM BELLADONNA THAT
COMES TRUE FROM SEED. HEIGHT ABOUT 4 FEET.
spring. If applied in autumn or in winter, the winter rains will
have the effect of washing away its poisonous properties, making
it easier for weeds to make an early growth again than would be
the case if applied in spring.
Improving Lawn
Q. 1, how can I improve my grass plot and when should I do it 1
It is very heavy ; the wet weather has made it very pasty, and it is
almost impossible to walk on it now (November). Appears to have
58 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
been laid on the heavy clay subsoil without proper (if any) drainage,
has been neglected for many months. As I am only a tenant here
for a short period, to take up the turf, drain the soil, and relay are
out of the question. 2, what is the enclosed weed ? and how can I
eradicate it from the grass ? — W. J. P., Hornsey.
A. 1, the best thing you can do is to put on a good dressing of
gritty soil, such as road drift, during the autumn and winter months.
Two dressings will be sufficient. 2, the weed you enclose is a Butter-
cup (Ranunculus), and the best way of getting rid of it is to put a few
drops of oil of vitriol in the centre of each plant, or pull up every
one, and as their habit is spreading this is a difficult matter. The
vitriol is poisonous, and gloves should be worn when using the
liquid. The latter may be dropped on the plants from a notched
stick.
Time to Apply Basic Slag
Q. When is the best time to apply basic slag and how much
should be given ? — Ignorant, Shrewsbury.
A. This is a slow acting manure, rich in phosphates. It should
be applied in the autumn, since it is some time before it is rendered
available as plant food. The finer basic slag is ground the more valu-
able will it prove as a manure. It is not so valuable as superphos-
phate for vegetables, but it is a most suitable manure for lawns.
Making Brick Paths
Q. I should very much like to alter the paths in my garden and
make them brick paved. Would it be possible for me to do it
myself 1 Are new or old bricks to be used ? Is mortar or cement of
any kind required ? — M. I. B., Surrey.
A. It is necessary to have a perfectly level foundation for laying
bricks to form a path, and they must be cemented or concreted
down, and the cracks where they join filled with the same substance.
There should be a layer of cinders beneath the bricks some 2 or 3
inches thick to keep the path dry. The only plan for you to follow
would be to find a working bricklayer, request him to supply you
with good hard red bricks and the necessary binding material, and
pay him a trifle for showing you how to do the work yourself. Now
is a good time for the operation before frosts come. You could place
the bricks say one third or half an inch apart, fill the cracks with
sandy soil and put Violet Cress, Mentha and other tiny plants
there.
60 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Violets in Frame in Winter
Q. Please tell me how to provide for a supply of Violets during
winter. — X: Y. Z., Reading.
A. Make up a hotbed, half manure and half leaves, and put in
the frame early in September. Upon this place 8 inches of soil ;
turfy soil 2 parts, leafy soil 1 part. There must be enough manure
A DELL OF FORGET-ME-NOTS.
put in to bring the plants within 2 inches of the glass. Fill the
frame with manure and leaves, then tread it firmly, this will be
about right. Plant the Violets ten days or so afterwards. Put them
10 inches apart. Keep the frame closed for a few days to encourage
them to form fresh roots. Subsequently give air on every favour-
able occasion. They will not bloom if the frame is kept closed.
Artificial heat is an advantage, because by this means frost is easily
kept out, and the atmosphere made dry. Good varieties are Marie
Louise and Lady Hume Campbell.
How to Grow Violets
Q. Will you tell me when to plant Violets ?— E. J/., Swansea.
62 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
A. The best time to plant is during April. The best plants to buy
are rooted runners. A border should be prepared by digging
and mixing with the soil well rotted manure and leaf soil. It
is not advisable to have the border in a shady spot as is often
advised ; the plants should get several hours' sunshine. Plant
the weak growing doubles 8 inches, and the strong growing single
sorts 10 to 12 inches apart. They need little further attention
during the summer months. Give water in dry weather and a
dressing of manure to keep the border cool and moist. In August
runners or growths will appear ; these must be cut off. By Septem-
ber the plants will have formed good clumps ; towards the end of
that month is the best time for planting Violets in frames for
winter flowering. The frame should be in a sunny position. Violets
are most successful when grown fresh annually. Some of the
single sorts do pretty well if left alone for two or three years, but
most sorts thrive best if fresh beds from rooted offshoots are
planted every April. Princess of Wales, Princess Beatrice and
Czar are among the best of the large blue-flowered singles. Marie
Louise is. a good double, lavender coloured ; Lady Hume Campbell,
lavender blue ; Comte de Brazza, white, and Mile. B. Barron,
blue, are other good double sorts.
Best Plants for Shady Border
Q. The best plants for a shady border with rather heavy, moist
soil. — G. K., Kent.
A. Anemone Japonica and varieties, Kniphofia (Tritoma),
Liliums candidum, Martagon, and croceum, Senecios clivorum and
Veitchianum, Primulas Japonica and denticulata, Aquilegia (Colum-
bine), Sedum spectabile, Foxgloves, Primroses, and Violets, hardy
ferns in variety.
Plants for Dry Border
Q. The best plants for a dry border under trees.— S. T. M., Oxford.
A. Solomon's Seal, Hypericum calycinum, Doronicum Plantagi-
neum, Lychnis coronaria, Funkia Sieboldii, Saponaria officinalis flore
pleno, Foxgloves, Periwinkle (Vinca).
Plants for Warm Wall
Q. I have a brick wall, 2 feet 6 inches wide, 10 feet high, side of
bay window facing south, now occupied by Virginian Creeper
Could I train Ivy Geranium or Solanum in place ? — R. T. 77., Fulham.
A. You must take out every bit of root of the Virginian Creeper,
FLOWER GARDEN TRIALS AND TROUBLES 63
then dig a hole 2 or 3 feet square, and fill with a mixture of the soil
taken out, fresh turfy soil, a few shovels of decayed manure, and
some coarse sand. Make it firm, and leave for a week to settle
before planting. Neither Ivy-leaved Geranium nor Solanum is
hardy, and would most probably die in winter unless thoroughly pro-
tected. The best plant for your purpose is Ceanothus Gloire de
Versailles, a climbing shrub with beautiful blue flowers in August.
How to Preserve Buds and Flowers
Q. Can you tell me if there is anything I can do to preserve
flowers after they are cut?—/. K.t Wimbledon.
A. The following method of preserving flower buds so that they
will bloom long after they are picked from the plant will interest
you. Gather the buds when nearly ready to open, and seal up
the ends of the stalks with sealing wax, wrap the buds in tissue
paper, and put them in a tin box perfectly airtight. When the bud
is wanted to open, cut off the sealing wax and put the stalk in water
to which a little saltpetre has been added. The flowers can thus be
had in bloom a month or two later than their usual season. I have
tried the plan with Roses only, but I am told it is equally satis-
factory with other tiowers.
To prevent Butterflies depositing their Eggs
Q. Can you tell me if there is anything I can do to prevent the
large white Cabbage butterfly from depositing eggs, and so to some
extent rid my garden of caterpillars 1 — A. E. W., Derby.
A. The eggs of the large white butterfly are laid in clusters
beneath the leaves, but the eggs of the small white, and also of the
green veined white, are laid singly. This is important, as the eggs
of the first are easily destroyed by looking for them as soon as the
butterflies are noticed, and the pieces of leaves covered with them
torn off and burned. This method will not answer for the small
white or green veined white's eggs. You should have the chrysalids
searched for and destroyed. These are chiefly found in outhouses,
potting sheds, and like places under eaves or palings, or under pieces
of rough timber. This can be done in winter time, and again in
June or July when the first brood has pupated, the butterflies you
recently saw being of that generation. Another means of reducing
their numbers is to procure some strips of tin, and as many sticks
pointed at one end for thrusting into the ground, cleft at the top,
and so long as to be well above the Cabbages. Affix the sticks
about 6 feet apart, smear the tin on both sides with a mixture of
64 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
resin and sweet oil, two thirds of the former melted, and one third
of the latter, and insert this in the cleft of the stick, one for each.
The butterflies resting on the strips of smeared tin become affixed.
Value of House Slops
Q. Are house slops of any value in the garden 1— G. E. $., Bucks.
A. If diluted with twice or three times as much water they form
a valuable manure for such plants as Roses, Dahlias, and all kinds
df herbaceous plants grown in borders. However, we do not advo-
cate their use for pot plants.
Hardy Flowers for Early August
Q. I want to have my border gay in early August. What should I
plant 1— W. F., Newcastle-on-Tyne.
A. In your part of North Britain you would require varieties
that blossom about the third week in the south of England. You
will find the following very good. Phloxes : Coquelicot, Fiancee,
Beranger, and Le Mahdi ; Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus bicolor),
Anemone Japonica rosea and alba, Anthemis sulphurea, Aquilegias
of sorts, Asclepias tuberosa, Aster Bessarabicus, Plume Poppy (Boc-
conia cordata), Bellflower, Campanula persicaefolia Moerheimi,
Cephalaria Alpina, Chrysanthemum maximum King Edward VII.,
Chelone barbata, Coreopsis grandiflora, Gaillardia grandiflora, Delphi-
niums of sorts, Echinops ritro, Geum Heldreichii, Sunflower (Heli-
anthus rigidus), Heuchera sanguinea, Inula Hookerii, Lychnis chal-
cedonica fl. pi., Papaver pilosum, Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium
Richardsom), Rudbeckia laciniata plena, Scabiosa Caucasica, Sta-
tice latifolia, Gypsophila paniculata, Torch Lily (Kniphofia corallina
Pfitzerii).
Making a Small Pond
Q. I should be very glad of directions as to the making of a
small pond in my garden.— H. S., WoTcing.
A. You should excavate the soil to the required depth and
then puddle the bottom and sides with clay, the layer of clay being
at least 4 inches thick. An edging of stones fixed with cement
would look best, the stones being irregular in shape. Yes ; an
amateur should be able to do the work. As you intend to allow
ducks to go on the pond, plants as an edging would not answer
well. The excavation of the soil would cost 6d. per cubic yard, but
the cost of the carting, clay, stones, cement, and other work would
depend largely upon local charges and facilities for obtaining material.
FLOWER GARDEN TRIALS AND TROUBLES 65
Flowering Plants for Heavy Soil
Q. My garden soil is clayey and very wet in winter. Many plants
do not thrive. Can you give me a list of suitable sorts ? — J. A. £.,
Southall.
A. It is more than probable that the real fault of your garden
lies in its being badly drained. One row or two rows of drainpipes
placed about 2 feet below the surface, with a gradual fall to a
proper outlet, would almost certainly improve the nature of your
garden soil. There are certain flowering plants which thrive fairly
well in a soil such as yours. Thus in addition to Irises and
Montbretias, both of which flourish in your garden, you might
try Sunflowers, Heleniums, Delphiniums, Trollius, Michaelmas
Daisies, Hollyhocks, Lupins, and Aconite. There are several
ornamental and flowering shrubs that would also give a good account
of themselves ; for instance, Wistaria, Clematis, and Lonicera for
pergolas and arches, Lilac, Laburnum, and Flowering Currant in
the shrubbery. The application of quicklime when the ground is
vacant tends to lighten a soil ; fresh or green manure from the
farmyard should bs avoided, as it increases the tenacity of a heavy
clay. Long strawy mmure, however, helps to lighten and aerate
the soil by means of the small channels made by the long straw.
A Common Disease of Aster
Q. Please tell me what is the matter with the enclosed Asters.
I shall probably lose all I have through this disease.— #. A. T.,
Stockport.
A. The plants are affected by the disease popularly known as
blackleg, the roots dying and the rootstem turning brown and then
black, and this extending to parts above ground. The plants become
stunted, cease growing, and die. This has been attributed to various
causes, such as attack by a white worm, called the Aster worm
(Enchytraeus parvulus), but there is no evidence of this pest in
your examples. The disease is of a fungoid nature and a close ally
of the sleeping disease of Tomatoes and other plants. Resting
spores remain dormant for a season, then germinate, forming a
mycelium capable of attacking the rootlets of Asters. By this
mycelium only can the plants be attacked, all attempts to inoculate
above ground portions of the plant being futile. It is suggested to
dress the ground with quicklime at the rate of ^ Ib. per square
yard, slaking and mixing well with the soil, sprinkling on the
turned up surface 2 oz. of -kainit, leaving for the rain to wash
F
66 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
in. This is preferably done in autumn, and in early spring, before
cropping again, the ground is forked over and a dressing of steamed
bone meal applied, breaking up and mixing well.
Wallflowers Not a Success
Q. Can you tell me why my Wallflowers are not a success ] I
give them ordinary, careful treatment. — Disappointed, Shrewsbvry.
A. Exceptionally firm planting is needed by this plant, which can
HARDY CYCLAMEN GROWING AMONG FERNS.
be seen flourishing on old walls where there would seem to be little
root hold. Half the Wallflowers that turn yellow and die in
gardens do so because winds have loosened them in the soil ; directly
they become ill insect pests fasten upon them, and so wireworms
and other creatures are generally blamed for the mischief that was
first wrought by a careless gardener. Rich soil is needed for growing
fine flowers ; it is a customary error to plant Wallflowers in dry,
stony, unnourished ground just because they are known to live on
walls. If any gardener will examine wall specimens he will not
find them with large, lustrous foliage and immense richly coloured
blooms, such as we now demand from the bed and border specimens
— unless they have been especially cared for in their lofty nooks.
m
68 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
The Best Bedding Geranium
Q. I wish to have a blaze of colour in one bed and prefer to plant
Geraniums. Which is the best variety 1 — Hopeful, Chester.
A. Zonal Pelargonium Paul Crampel is described as richest fiery
scarlet in colour, with large flowers and trusses and fine foliage. A
truer description was never given of a Zonal Pelargonium. Amateurs
who have not yet grown this variety in their flower beds should do
so. To obtain the best effect it is best to allow each plant ample
space to grow in, and, if possible, to devote one large bed to them
rather than mix them with other varieties. As a rule Zonals should
not be planted in a rich soil ; but the soil may be rich for Paul
Crampel. It will then grow luxuriantly and produce trusses of
flowers as large as the crown of one's hat.
How to Grow the Flame Nasturtium
Q. Will you please tell me the best way to grow Tropaeolum
speciosum ? Ought I to start with seeds or plants ? — C. F., Colt/ton.
A. You will have the greatest chance of success with this lovely
flower if you obtain rhizomes, or underground stems, which are thick
and fleshy, and somewhat like those of the bindweed in genera
appearance. These ought to be planted 2 to 3 inches deep in fairly
good, moist, loamy soil, in a north, north-west, or west aspect.
Plant in autumn or spring. In some gardens it grows like a weed,
whilst in others it is most difficult to establish. There is really no
accounting for its perverseness sometimes, for .if the conditions under
which it thrives excellently in other places are apparently copied in
every detail it fails to succeed.
Staking Perennials and Berried Shrubs for Wall
Q. What is the best way to stake hardy perennials 3 to 4 feet
high to maintain a natural appearance and afford protection from
high winds 1 What are the best berry bearing shrubs suitable for
walls 1 also in the form of bushes for beds or borders ? — A. £, Brix-
ton Hill.
A. There are two ways open to you in staking your perennials.
One method is to tie four or five stakes round each clump and run
several rows of string round them. The other is to thin out the
shoots well, then stake each one separately, taking care to insert the
stakes so as to give each plant its natural position. The best ever-
green wall shrubs are Crataegus Pyracantha, C. crenulata, Cotone-
aster microphylla, C. buxifolia, and C. angustifolia. For borders all
SUCCESSFUL PLANTING OF A WALL IN A SUBURBAN
GARDEN.
70 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
the above may be grown except Cotoneaster angustifolia, whilst in
addition Pernettya mucronata and Arbutus Unedo for a large grow-
ing shrub may be included.
Making a Window Box
Q. I am anxious to make a few window boxes. Can you tell me
how to proceed 1— Ellen, S. Wales.
A. Window boxes may be made in a variety of designs and with
many different materials. Small branches of unpeeled Larch are
very useful and effective for covering the fronts of boxes. They can
be arranged in diamond or star patterns, or simply nailed on vertically,
with the ends rounded. Virgin cork can be used in the same way,
sawing it carefully when working out designs with it, and breaking
it up roughly when making a box with a simple rustic covering.
More elaborate and fanciful boxes are made by using hearth or
paving tiles, and enclosing them within a border of wooden mould-
ing or wrought iron-work. Be sure to make holes for drainage in
the bottom of the box, and put a strip of wood at each end of the
box to keep the latter from contact with the window sill.
Should Gladiolus Bulbs be Lifted?
Q. Is it wise or necessary to lift Gladiolus bulbs every autumn
and store them during winter ?— W. M.t Stafford.
A. Only a few Gladioli, principally natives of Europe and Asia
Minor, are quite hardy in the greater portion of the British Isles.
The others are best treated as half hardy subjects, that is, the bulbs
should be lifted in the autumn when the leaves become yellow
throughout. Store them in a cool place where the frost cannot
reach them until late March or early April, when they should be
planted out.
Carnations and Dahlias for Exhibition
Q. I should be glad of a selection of first class varieties of Carn-
ations and Dahlias that have figured prominently at recent shows.
— Carnation, Lanes.
A. The following Carnations and Picotees are selected from the
best stands shown at recent exhibitions : Carnations — Sir Galahad
and Mrs. Eric Hambro, white ; Seagull, blush ; Daffodil, yellow ;
Carmania, pink ; Bonnie Dundee, scarlet ; W. H. Parton, deep
crimson ; Cantor, purple. Picotees— Miss Evelyn Cartwright, light
red edge ; Lady Douglas Galton and Togo, yellow ground ; Amy
FLOWER GARDEN TRIALS AND TROUBLES 71
Robsart, heavy purple edge ; Carrie Goodfellow, scarlet edge. The
Dahlias which follow are arranged according to the average number
of times they have been staged at the National Dahlia Society's
exhibitions held in recent years. Six Cactus Dahlias— J. B. Riding,
J. H. Jackson, Pearl, Mrs. Edward Mawley, Florence M. Stredwick,
and Nelson. Four Show or Fancy Dahlias— R. T. Rawlings, Mrs.
Gladstone, John Walker, and Duchess of York. This year's novelty
PAEONY FLOWERED DAHLIAS.
Tom Jones, is also worthy of a place. Four Pompons — Bacchus,
Nerissa, Tommy Keith, and Darkest of All.
Forty of the Best Cactus Dahlias
Q. I enclose a list of Dahlias (grown this year) which, thanks to
The Gardener, I have been very successful with, and would be very
pleased if you would kindly correct the list so as to represent forty
of the best Dahlias up to date. Alpha, Beacon, Britannia, Columbia,
Coronation, Cloth of Silver, Cockatoo, Dainty, Daisy, Daisy Easton,
Flag of Truce, F. M. Stredwick, Fairy, Harbour Lights, H. W. Sillem,
72 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Hyacinth, H. Shoesmith, J. H. Jackson, J. B. Riding, Kathleen
Bryant, Lord of Manor, Manxman, Mrs. Grinstead, Mrs. Castleton,
Mrs. Wilkinson, Mrs. McMillan, Primrose, Pilot, Pearl, Pink Pearl,
Pink Perfection, Purple Jackson, Rev. A. Hall, Red Rover, Star,
T. Parkin, T. G. Baker, Victorian, Wm. Marshall, White Swan.—
/. B., Aintree.
A. Your list is a fairly comprehensive one, and includes prac-
tically all the older sorts worth growing. In weeding out the inferior
sorts, we should recommend omitting the following : Alpha, Beacon,
Dainty, Red Rover, Fairy, Coronation, Manxman, Pearl, Pink
Perfection, Daisy, Britannia, and Pink Pearl, and in place of these
add Snowdon, white ; Rev. Jamieson, pink ; Saxonia, crimson ;
Brigadier, bright crimson ; Monarch, bronzy red ; Harold Peerman,
yellow ; Mercury, yellow striped crimson ; C. E. Wilkins, salmon,
pink ; Flame, scarlet ; Ivernia, fawn ; Helium, yellow and orange ;
and Nelly Riding, crimson tipped white. This would bring your
collection right up to date. We might, however, point out that for
garden decoration only some of the sorts discarded are very useful
but we take it exhibiting is your chief aim.
Failure with Tufted Pansies
Q. I should be glad of a few hints as to the cultivation of these,
I seem to have little success with them. They appear to be
attacked by some disease. — B. S. K., Lincoln.
A. In October or November the plants may be lifted and
divided. In dividing, each portion should have a few young growths
and some roots ; place them in rows 6 inches apart and 3 inches from
plant to plant in any convenient ground of a friable soil. Dust
lightly with air slaked lime and soot to keep down slugs and other
predatory pests. The plants can be lifted carefully in early spring,
say February or as soon as the weather permits afterwards, and
placed in the flowering quarters. This procedure gives opportunities
for manuring and preparing the ground for their reception . Those
plants that have turned quite yellow in the leaf and appear to
be dead at the roots, should be cleared away and burned, removing
as much of the rootstem as possible. It is evident that they are
infested by the Viola mould. The fungus is tided over winter
by resting spores in the rootstems of the diseased and dead plants,
hence the need for their removal. They should not occupy the same
ground again for a year at least. The ground where the collapsed
plants have been should be given a dressing of basic slag, 1 Ib. per
74 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
square yard, and 6 oz. of kainit, digging in about 6 inches deep.
Leave the soil rough during winter, and in February fork over a spit
deep, mixing and breaking up well by taking small spits.
Plants for Bank
Q. My house is one of a terrace facing south-east, on high ground
facing the sea. In front is a stiff bank, the soil of which is shallow.
Nothing has grown there yet but weeds. Could you recommend or
suggest an economical way of laying it out 1 It is too stiff for grass,
CROCUSES IN THE GRASS.
as I could not use a mower. I have thought of dwarf shrubs or Ice
Plant.— T. H. W., Dover.
A. You could c6Ver your bank effectively, and at the same time
make it so that it could be easily kept at little or no after cost, by
planting groups of various free growing shrubs, such as double Gorse,
French Gorse, Cornish Heath, Ling, Heather, Lavender, Cistuses,
Rock Roses (Heliantheinums), Cotton Lavender, and Genista pilosa.
Plant large irregular shaped masses of each in such a manner that
the different sorts of things run one into the other, in a natural
manner. Such a method of planting forms one of the very best
kinds of wild gardening, for an ugly bank can be made effective
FLOWER GARDEN TRIALS AND TROUBLES 75
during the whole of the year, and gives exceedingly little trouble
when the plants are once established. You could, of course, use Ice
Plants (Mesembryanthemums), but the other things would have the
best appearance .
If you desired it,
a few flowering
trees could be in-
troduced if the
position is not too
wind swept.
Hardy Flowers
for Sunny Bor-
der
Q. Can you sug-
gest hardy peren-
nials for a sunny
dry border backed
with a 3 feet wall ?
Border faces south,
but gets some
shade from a large
Pear tree. From
the rough plan I
enclose, you will
see I have Holly-
hocks next the
wall, then a gap
of 2 feet at present
planted with Can-
terbury Bells, and
some bedd ing
plants in front. I
propose putting
Brompton Stocks
in the gap this
autumn, but want
to put other plants as well in between to flower later. I want them
to be about 3 feet high to hide unsightly stalks of Hollyhocks.
White Phlox would look well, but in such a hot position would not
last any time. I do not care for yellow as it clashes so with bed-
ding plants. I thought of Gypsophila, which does well here, witli
HARDY PRIMULAS IN A GARDEN IN THE
NORTH OF ENGLAND.
76 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
perhaps a few Phloxes in between. Is there a flowering shrub that
would do in such a border as mine 1 Also would you be good enough
to tell me how you increase Gypsophila and when is the time to do it 1
I buy small roots. The first year they do not do much, but the
second they are 1 yard across. Our soil is light but good. — To and
Fro, Kent.
A. Certainly Gypsophila would do well in such a position, but
Phlox requires a very moist soil, and unless you can plant in a sunk
bed and flood them well in summer we should advise you to omit
these plants. Some of the large flowered Ox-eye Daisies, such as
Chrysanthemum maximum M. Prichard, would be fine. Achillea
The Pearl is a -fine showy plant. Hydrangea paniculata would be
very beautiful, so also would Philadelphus Lemoinei erectus, which
flowers earlier than the Hydrangea. Then there are some of the
white flowered hardy Chrysanthemums such as Belle Chatelaine, and
white flowered Michaelmas Daisies such as polyphyllus. Aster
vimineus is also a charming small flowered plant. You can in-
crease Gypsophila paniculata by seed or cuttings. Sow the seeds in
March and transplant the seedlings.
Pruning White Jessamine
Q. There is a White Jessamine covering an arbour in my garden.
It is a thicket of growth. How should I prune it?— W. J. (7.,
Wimbledon.
A. You may allow a few main branches to remain almost their
full length to form a base from which the flowering branches will
spring. The secondary branches may then be cut well back during
winter to within 1 foot or even less, say two or three buds, of the
base of the previous year's shoots. The mass of branches which
usually form at the base of such plants should be cut away each year,
as they never flower satisfactorily and only serve to weaken the
plant. Do not allow too many main branches to remain, or they will
choke the plant up. The object should be to let as much sunlight
and air as possible have free access to all parts of the plant.
Making the most of a Garden Frame
Q. I have a garden frame. How can I use it to the best advan-
tage 1 - M. M., Worthing.
A. The frame comes in very useful for salads, Strawberries, etc.,
early in the season. It may also be usefully employed to grow
Cucumbers in during summer. I have wintered Cauliflowers,
FLOWER GARDEN TRIALS AND TROUBLES 77
Lettuce, and Calceolarias, protected Strawberries intended for
forcing, hardened off bedding plants, and still had a good crop of
summer Cucumbers out of the same pit, and with very little trouble
indeed. Half hardy and deciduous ferns, and plants intended for
forcing, may be wintered therein with safety by simply throwing a
few mats over the lights at night and during sharp weather ; while
in the early spring a crop of early Potatoes and Radishes may be
had, and these may be got out early enough for growing Cucumbers
and for ordinary propagating purposes. For. raising seeds not re-
quiring bottom heat I have found them of the greatest service — in
fact, a cold frame need never be empty at any period of the year.
From March until the end of May they may be occupied in harden-
ing off Celery, Dahlias and other bedding plants, and from that
time until the month of September by crops of Cucumbers and
Melons, and in bringing on such subjects as Fuchsias, Petunias,
Pelargoniums, Balsams, etc. ; from September till spring comes
round again they may be filled with Cauliflowers^ Calceolarias, and
Strawberries that are intended for forcing purposes, and may be used
for protecting winter salads, or anything of a half hardy nature.
Bulbs for Early Flowering
Q. Can you tell me which are the most suitable bulbs for forcing
into bloom quite early, so as to have flowers to cut, say, in January. —
E. T. W., Hendon.
A. For ease in culture and forcing into flower the amateur will
find Roman Hyacinths and the Paper White Narcissi the best bulbs
to secure. Pot in August and September. Bunch flowered Narcissi
are useful when good bulbs are secured, but we have never found
them give such satisfaction in a general way as do the Paper Whites.
Place Roman Hyacinths as close together as they will go in 5- to 6-inch
pots, and the Narcissi may well go into those 7 and 8 inches in diame-
ter. Boxes can, of course, be used for both kinds of bulb, but these
are more suitable for the large grower than the amateur with
perhaps, one small house and a frame or two. Early Tulips of the
Van Thol section may be secured and potted in September ; these
are small and not in such favour as are the larger flowering sorts,
but they are bright and, on account of their early flowering tendency,
extremely useful.
Montbretias not Flowering
Q. I cannot understand how it is that my Montbretias do not
bloom regularly. They are in good soil. — Amateur, Southampton.
78 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
A. Almost every year we hear complaints regarding Montbretias
failing to bloom, and questions as to the cause of this. In at least
nine cases out of ten this reluctance to bloom can be traced to
similar causes. The mistake is made of leaving the bulbs in one
position year after year, and as they increase so rapidly the soil
becomes impoverished, the result being inevitable — little or no bloom.
But if they are lifted, divided, and replanted about every three years,
very different results will be obtained. Choose the sunniest position
possible.
About Anemones
Q. The best soil, position, and time to plant Anemones. — G. E.>
Surrey.
A. The Anemones about which, we presume, you require inform-
ation are the Poppy Anemone (A. coronaria), the Scarlet Windflower
(A. fulgens), and the St. Brigid varieties. The position must be a
sunny one, the best time to plant is September and October, although
it may be done as late as the end of January. They thrive in well
drained, light sandy soils, which should be freely manured. A mulch-
ing of leaf mould is very beneficial early in the year. Plant the roots
about 3 inches deep, and 4 to 6 inches apart according to size.
Keeping Dahlias Through the Winter
Q. Can you tell me how . to keep Dahlias through the winter ? —
Alpha, Bermondsey.
A. Do not cut the plants down until the frost has well
blackened them, and sever them about 1 foot above the ground,
attaching the label of each securely to the stem. The lifting of
the roots should be very carefully performed, using a fork. Do not
be particular about removing too much soil ; it affords little protection
to the tubers. The roots should be thoroughly dry before storing,
but this must not be accomplished by artificial means ; if there
is no sun place them in a cool, airy position, free from damp, and in
a day or so they should be ready for their winter quarters. A
dry, frostproof cellar is the best position for them, but those not
possessed of this accommodation will find a cupboard or some similar
place answer the purpose quite well, so long as it is dry, cool, and
frostproof. During winter an occasional examination is necessary
to remove any roots that may by chance have decayed.
CHAPTER V
The Greenhouse Gay
To Kill Green Fly in Greenhouse
Q. I have a greenhouse 9 by 5 feet, and I am removing into it
about thirty Chrysanthemums — Japanese and incurved varieties. I
want to fumigate them with the XL ALL vaporising compound, in
the liquid (I suppose this is one of the best preparations for green fly,
etc. 1) and should be glad to know how much liquid would be
required to fumigate them. Would it in any way injure the flowers if
they were in bloom when it was done ? — Constant Reader, Ulverston.
A. Yes; if you use XL ALL vaporising compound according to
the instructions given with it, all the insect pests will be killed.
Place the lamp on the ground near the centre of the house. A
dessertspoonful would not be sufficient, but a tablespoonful would.
Keep the ventilators closed all night, opening them the following
morning. If not successful the first night use the compound again the
following night. If the flowers are dry they will not be damaged.
Fern Fronds Turning White
Q. I enclose a fern frond. Could you tell me what is the reason
for its turning white like that ? I have several varieties of this fern,
and they all are attacked by insects. — H. T., Macclesjield.
A. The reason for your fern fronds turning white, as you describe,
is that they are covered with the small insect known to gardeners as
thrips. The insect is known scientifically as Heliothrips adomdum,
and feeds on almost any kind of plants. The insects are usually
most prevalent on plants that are growing in a temperature that is
too high and ,an atmosphere that is too dry for them, and a bad
attack is a serious matter and denotes bad culture. Your best plan
is to cut away all the worst of the fronds, and burn them. Then dip
the plants in an insecticide, such as Fir tree oil mixture or a nicotine
mixture, several days running, and well fumigate the houfe once a
fortnight for the next two months. Lower the temperature, keep
the house well damped down and the plants well syringed, and you
will soon see an improvement.
79
80 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Heating Apparatus for Small Greenhouse
Q. I should be glad of your advice as to the best method of heating
my greenhouse.— W. X. Y., Rutland.
A. Small oil stoves are very cheap, and fairly effective in keeping
out frost ; but they require very careful attention, else the fumes
would be injurious to your plants. A small boiler (tenant's fixture),
such as the Loughborough or Invincible, would be the most satis-
factory for you in every way. Such a boiler costs about £2 10s., and
1
CUTTINGS OF TUFTED PANSIES. ONE BAD CUTTING ON THE
LEFT, THREE GOOD ON THE BIGHT.
the pipes are not expensive. These boilers are fixed in the wall of
the house, are fed from the outside, and the chimney is also outside.
They maintain a good, steady heat, and are quite safe and most
efficient.
Maidenhair Fern in Winter
Q. Can I keep Maidenhair Ferns nice and green throughout the
winter ] and if so, what do they require 1 — X. Y. Z., London.
A. Yes ; you can keep your ferns green throughout the winter, for
it is not natural for them to die down. You do not say whether you
have got them in a greenhouse or dwelling room. If they are in a
THE GREENHOUSE GAY
81
greenhouse a minimum temperature of 45° to 50° Fah. and a maxi-
mum of 50° to 55° should be kept. The pots should be stood on a
cool ash or pebble bottomed stage, and the stage and floors of the
house should be damped down twice a day, to keep the atmosphere
moist. Do not let the plants become dry, but at the same time be
careful not to over water them ; they will not require more than
half the water they did in summer. About once every ten days give
a little weak manure water if the pots are well filled with roots, but
WELL, GROWN HYDRANGEA PLANTS, TWO YEARS OLD.
not otherwise. Keep a sharp look out for insects, and if thrips
appear fumigate lightly two or three nights running. If in a dwell-
ing room, much the same treatment will be necessary : keep out of
draughts, and in the event of cold nights stand the plants away
from the windows.
Hydrangeas not Flowering
Q. I have about 500 Hydrangeas in 5-inch pots ; for some reason
they did not flower this spring. They have been outside since June,
the wood now (September) being well ripened. I want to get them
in flower by the middle of May next. Will you kindly say when to
cut down and subsequent treatment 1— H. P., Appleby.
82 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
A. As the wood is well ripened you should plunge the pots in
ashes or tree leaves during the winter, and then put the plants in
warmth in spring, in order to get flowers by the middle of May. If
you can spare a cool frame, put the plants in it, and protect them
only from frosts. It will not be necessary to cut down the plants
really, but to lengthen the flowering period you may cut down some
of them to good basal buds when you place them in heat in the new
year. Feed liberally when the flower buds commence to develop.
Keeping Pansy Cuttings through the Winter
Q. I wish to know if the cuttings from Pansies will keep during
the winter in an attic, and if so, should I cover with anything to
protect from cold ? I do not possess a greenhouse. — (7. /. W.t Kent.
A. It is not necessary to put Pansies in either a greenhouse or
attic in order to keep them through the winter. If subjected to such
treatment the plants would be greatly weakened. Make up a nice
bed- in the garden, and grow the young plants there. If very severe
weather comes fix a few arched sticks in the border and then put
mats on them.
Cineraria and Calceolaria during Winter
Q. Can I keep these plants during the winter without artificial
heat 1 — Enthusiast, Doncaster.
A. The Calceolarias will withstand a lower temperature than
Cinerarias, but neither will survive being frozen. If the winter
proves to be a mild one, and you make provision for placing mats
over the plants in frosty weather, you may succeed in keeping these
plants through the winter in an unheated greenhouse.
All about Fuchsias
Q. Would you give a few practical notes on growing Fuchsias
as I am anxious to take up their cultivation 1—Sunbury.
A. Fuchsias may be grown in pots for the greenhouse or window ;
in window boxes either as tall plants or trained to hang down over
the front of the boxes; in baskets hanging from the greenhouse
roof, in the flower garden, and in tubs. A half shaded position is
one in which few flowering plants do well, yet for a window box with
a northern aspect Fuchsias are the first plants I would recommend.
Varying weather conditions in summer have comparatively little
effect on Fuchsias. They are increased best by cuttings. Spring is
the best time to put in cuttings. Vigorous young growths should be
THE GREENHOUSE GAY 83
selected 2 to 3 inches in length. Remove the leaves from the lower
half of the cutting close to the stem with a sharp knife, cutting the
stem through immediately below the joint. One cutting may be
placed in the centre of a small pot, or several round the side of one 4
inches in diameter. A suitable soil consists of equal parts of loam
and leaf mould, with which should be mixed plenty of sand. Fuchsia
cuttings will readily root under a bellglass or cloche in the window
of a dwelling house, or, better still, in a warm greenhouse. The
young plants will soon require potting, one being placed in a pot
1| inches across. If grown for the greenhouse or window, or for
planting outside during the summer months, the tip of the young
shoot is removed when the plants are 4 to 6 inches high. To obtain
tall pyramids the central shoot is supported by a strong stake, the
side growths also being encouraged. The latter must be stopped
as often as each shoot has made two pairs of leaves, till the plant
attains the required size. For hanging baskets and window boxes
I can strongly recommend Scarcity and Madame. Cornellison. It
will be found most convenient to use wire baskets, working the
young plants at suitable distances between the wires. Remove
the tips of the shoots when the young plants are 3 inches high. To
prevent the soil falling between the wires line the baskets with
moss. Standard Fuchsias are obtained by restricting each plant to
one growth, removing all side shoots till the required height is
reached. The top of the plant is then cut off and the points of the
new shoots removed at intervals, to induce other growths to form a
head. Good varieties are— Single : Madame Cornellison, white, red
calyx ; Improved Rose of Castile, purple, white calyx ; Scarcity,
dark carmine red, light red calyx ; Amy Lye, salmon, white calyx ;
Mrs. Rundle, salmon, flesh calyx ; Marirka, red self. Double :
Ballet Girl, white, red calyx ; Phenomenal in three distinct colours,
purple, rose, and white ; Pythagore, dark plum, red calyx ; and
Madame Danjoux, white shaded mauve, carmine red calyx.
Ventilating Greenhouse
Q. Please give me a few hints on ventilating a greenhouse. —
R. T., Windsor.
A. In spring the ventilation of glass houses is an important
matter. The welfare of the plants depends entirely upon the
attention of the owner. If an animal be shut up and then neglected
it will soon die. Plants in greenhouses would, too, if the ventilators
were kept closed during the greater part of each day, or on some
BEGONIA REX, A PLANT WITH HANDSOME FOLIAGE SUITABLE
FOB THE SMALL GREENHOUSE.
THIS BEGONIA MAY BE INCREASED EASILY BY CUTTING
THROUGH THE RIBS OF THE LEAF AND PLACING THIS ON
SAND IN A WARM GREENHOUSE. LITTLE PLANTS WILL FORM
AS SHOWN.
86 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
days not opened at all. In winter time the plants would not suffer ;
but in spring the young, tender shoots are growing and require
plenty of fresh air. But the air must be admitted judiciously in
order to prevent cold draughts blowing directly upon the foliage.
The top ventilators of a greenhouse should, from March onwards, be
opened slightly at 7 o'clock on fine mornings. Then increase the
width a few inches at 9 o'clock, and again at 10 o'clock ; and if the
outside air be warm and the sun shining brightly, open the front
ventilators too at the last named hour. Commence reducing the
amount of ventilation at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The upper venti-
lators may be left open a little way each night during the summer.
Usually both doors and ventilators may be opened wide in the
middle of the day without detriment to the occupants of the house.
The danger to avoid is keeping the house closed too long, until the
interior becomes very hot, and then suddenly throwing open the
ventilators and doors. The opening and closing is best done
gradually.
Marguerite Leaves Ruined by Insect
Q. Will you tell me what causes those white streaks in Marguer-
ites 1 My Cinerarias were also similarly disfigured. I can find no
insect.— J?. M. C., Bolton.
A. The leaves received were badly attacked by the leaf mining
maggot. Undoubtedly your Cinerarias are afflicted in the same way,
for the Cineraria is subject to the attacks of the leaf miner. The
larvae are living inside ; they tunnel their way between the tissues
of the leaves. By holding the leaves to the light the position,
of the larvae may be readily seen. Since the culprits live within the
leaves, it is exceedingly difficult to get rid of them. Although many
remedies are sometimes recommended, the only certain cure is to
remove the worst leaves and immediately burn them, and to kill the
other grubs by pressing them between the finger and thumb. If
this method is followed out from the first, and good growing con-
ditions are also provided, injury from this pest will not be very great.
Geraniums for Winter Flowering
Q. Please tell me when I should take cuttings to raise a stock of
Geraniums for winter flowering. — E. J. K., Maldon.
A. February is the time to insert cuttings to make strong plants
for flowering in the winter in a warm greenhouse. The best cuttings
are made from the tops of plants which have flowered in the
THE GREENHOUSE GAY 87
greenhouse, but only strong and sturdy ones should be selected.
They are best inserted singly in 2j- or 3-inch pots, according to their
size. Plenty of sand and a little spent lime should be used in the
compost, and the cuttings must be made quite firm in the soil.
Water them in well, and then stand them on a light and airy shelf in
the full sun. They will require but little water until rooted, but a
dewing with the syringe twice a day will assist the emission of roots.
Grow in cold frame in summer.
GOLDEN BAYED LILY (LILIUM AURATUM) GROWN IN,
FLOWER POT.
Gloxinia Leaves and Buds for Examination
Q. For several years I have grown Gloxinias very successfully, but
this year they are proving a failure. I enclose leaves and buds for
your inspection, and shall be pleased if you can suggest the cause and
a remedy, and how to prevent a recurrence next year. — G. H. W.,
Ghelmsford.
A. The leaves and buds are seriously damaged by the rust mite
(Tarsonymus tepidariorum), a very pernicious pest, as by its punctures
of the leaves and tender parts of plants it not only abstracts their
juices but causes the parts to become stunted, browned, and rusted,
88 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
checking growth and spoiling the appearance of the plants. It is also
a very difficult pest to suppress, particularly on Gloxinias and Ges-
neras, as from the woolliness of their leaves they are liable to be
seriously affected by an insecticide. The whole mite family have a
great dislike to sulphur, hence recourse is had to paraffin emulsion,
2 oz. to 1 gallon of water, adding ^ oz. of sulphide of potassium, and
using as a spray. This, however, has a stunting effect on plants
with hairy leaves, and I find it better to use tobacco water, or, better
still, nicotine wash — 1 oz. nicotine solution (98 per cent.) to 8| gallons
of rain water, and spray the plants with this at intervals of three or
four days about three times, and then at fortnightly or three weekly
intervals to prevent recurrence of attack.
How to Get Rid of Woodlice
Q. My greenhouse is infested with woodlice. How can I get
rid of them 1— E. K., Wimborne.
A. The most practical means of getting rid of them is trapping.
If a little old hay or dry moss is placed in the bottom of a dirty
flower pot with a little piece of cooked Potato, the woodlice will
feed therein in great numbers. These traps should be emptied every
morning, this will be found to have a wonderful effect in lessening
the numbers of woodlice.
Green Fly in Conservatory
Q. I should be glad to know the best means of keeping down
green fly which swarms on Roses and other plants in my conser-
vatory.— 8. E., Mitcham.
A. Undoubtedly the best means of keeping down green fly in
a greenhouse is by fumigation. If you are not prepared to go to
the expense of purchasing the concentrated preparations of nicotine
for fumigating, the next best thing for you to do is to purchase
tobacco rag from a horticultural sundriesman. All that is necessary
is to drop a few handfuls of the tobacco rag on to two or three red hot
pieces of coke from the furnace. Whilst smoking it must be care-
fully watched, flames must be kept down, otherwise it will be
injurious to the plants near. Place the red hot coke in very small
heaps on the path of the house about 15 feet apart, and remove the
plants immediately over the fumes.
How to Grow Begonia Gloire de Lorraine
Q. I am anxious to grow this beautiful winter flowering Begonia.
Will you please give me the essential details of cultivation 1—Epping.
THE GREENHOUSE GAY 89
A. With a greenhouse having four rows of hot water pipes, it
should be a comparatively easy matter to keep the house at a
sufficiently high temperature to suit the requirements of this highly
decorative Begonia. A uniform night temperature of 50° F. is found
to suit very well ; in the daytime the temperature will, of course,
rise with the heat of the sun, when a little top air should be
admitted. Yes ; it would be advisable to purchase plants now
(September). In reference to the varieties which resemble Gloire de
Lorraine, Turnford Hall and Caledonia are the best white forms,
and Agatha has slightly larger flowers a little deeper in colour
than the type. Plants purchased now would soon produce flowers,
and these should all be picked off until the early spring, since this
is the time when it is desired that they should be in full flower.
Winter flowering Begonias in general need very careful watering,
otherwise they will soon turn yellow and rot off at the base. The
plants purchased at this season should be in their flowering pots, and
would simply require careful attention to bring them into full
blossom. These Begonias are increased by means of leaf cuttings
taken in early spring. If a few of the older leaves are placed on
a bed of sand in a propagating case in a hot house, young plants will
form. When rooted these are potted up.
Taking Geranium Cuttings
Q. Is now (end of August) a suitable time to take Geranium
cuttings for bedding out next summer 1 — A. H^ Finchley.
A. Cuttings for next season's stock should be procured as soon
as possible. By careful examination of the plants, cuttings may be
secured without spoiling the appearance of the flower beds. It is
always worth the trouble to lay out the cuttings after being made on
the floor of the potting shed for two days, but not to allow them to dry
enough to cause the leaves to wither, only to flag slightly. Cuttings
thus treated rarely, if ever, damp off when dibbled into boxes.
Another precaution should, however, be taken to guard against this,
and that is to stand the boxes of cuttings on trellises a few inches off
the ground.
Fuchsias in Winter
Q. Last winter I lost a lot of my Fuchsias. Can you tell me
how I can preserve them safely? — Anxious, Streatham.
A. " I put my Fuchsias under the stages last winter, and when I
came to take them out for repotting half of them were dead." This
90 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
is a remark one often hears. They had not suffered from excess of
moisture, but the reverse, for they were placed at the back of the
water pipes, and became dried up. These most useful plants either
for greenhouse or garden simply need to be kept from frost in
winter ; a cool shed is an excellent place, but if they have to be
located in the greenhouse they should be kept from the heat of
pipes and the constant drip of the other plants on the stages above.
Plants for Greenhouse in Winter
Q. What are the best plants to put in my conservatory for the
winter ? What in my window boxes ? What should be planted out
in the garden now (October) ? Would Geranium and Carnation
cuttings be likely to thrive in the conservatory (no fire) in the
winter? How can I fill up a draughty north-east bed? What
soil should be used for potting plants? — W. W. W., Worthing.
A. You may have Azaleas, Arurn Lilies, Deutzias, Spiraeas,
Zonal Pelargoniums, Cinerarias, Primulas, Calceolarias, winter
flowering Begonias, Cyclamens, and various kinds of bulbous plants
in your conservatory for the winter months' display. In the window
boxes and in the beds in the garden, bulbs such as Hyacinths,
Tulips, Narcissi, Snowdrops, Scilla sibirica, Violas, Wallflowers,
Myosotis, Silenes, Aubrietias, and Pansies. Wallflowers would be
suitable for the draughty bed. If frost and excessive moisture can
be excluded from the greenhouse Geraniums and Fuchsias would
live in it through the winter. A good general potting compost
consists of turfy soil, leaf soil, and sand.
Treatment of Various Orchids
Q. Will you give general instructions for treatment of Cypripe-
dium, Odontoglossum, Dendrobium, and Cattleya? — E. A., Swindon.
A. Cypripedium insigne, or Lady's Slipper, is one of the most
easily cultivated of all Orchids. It succeeds in quite a cool house
with such plants as Geraniums and Cinerarias, and may be stood in a
cold frame in summer. It will stand several years in the same pans
without changing the compost, and blossom finely each year. A
minimum winter temperature of 40° to 45° will suit it, though
a temperature 5° higher will not harm it. Well drained pots or
pans are absolutely essential, and in each case from half to two-thirds
of the pot should be filled with crooks. The compost should consist
of 2 parts of good fibrous peat, 1 part of sphagnum, some coarse
pieces of sandstone and charcoal, and clean crocks. If really good
THE GREENHOUSE GAY 91
loam can be obtained a little may be used for C. insigne. All fine
material should be sifted out and the rough pieces only used. Work
the compost lightly about the roots, and be careful with watering
until roots are active. Keep the water out of the growths at all
times and fumigate frequently as a preventive of insects. Odonto-
glossum crispum and varieties must be grown in quite a cool house
shaded from bright sun. By fire heat the house should never be
allowed to rise above 40°. A compost similar to that recommended
for the Cypripediums will do. The Dendrobiums require a high
temperature, full sun, and an atmosphere heavily charged with mois-
ture during the growing season. The temperature may rise above
100° with sun heat and ought not to drop below 70°. When growth
is finished the water supply should be reduced and the plants placed
in a cooler house with a drier atmosphere. A shelf exposed to full
sun forms an ideal position. As the leaves die reduce the water
supply until none at all is given. When the flower buds appear in
spring place the plants in a warmer house again and give water
sparingly until growth begins. They may be placed in hanging pots
or baskets in a compost of fibrous peat, sphagnum, and charcoal.
The Cattleya may be grown with the Cypripediums and a similar
compost used. In all cases keep the floors and stages of the houses
damp and the houses well ventilated.
Forcing Lily of the Valley
Q. I am anxious to have Lilies of the Valley in bloom in the
greenhouse early in the year. Please advise. — E, 0. K., Leeds.
A. September is the month in which to pot the roots intended
for forcing. It is necessary to obtain plump, well matured crowns
to commence with or failure will result ; thus, if they have to be
purchased it will be better to pay a little extra to a reliable nursery-
man than to buy rubbish which cannot flower. In potting, use a
somewhat light compost, consisting of turfy soil, leaf mould, and
sand, placing six or eight crowns or single roots in a 5-inch pot. No
good will result from cutting the roots about, unless, of course, they
are too large for the pots, when they may be slightly trimmed. Let
the tops of the crowns show just above the soil, and water them well
in. Different growers have different ideas regarding the later treat-
ment of the Lilies, but a very simple method is to plunge them in a
box of cocoanut fibre over the hot water pipes in the greenhouse,
well covering the crowns. It is important to keep the fibre in a
moist condition, when growth will soon commence. They can be
92 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
removed when growing strongly and gradually introduced to the full
daylight to bring them to their proper colour.
Marguerites Suddenly Withering
Q. I am sending you two Marguerites which have suddenly
withered and died. I should like to know the reason why, as I
have lost a good few in this way. Other Marguerites in the same
beds and window boxes are looking very healthy. Last year I lost
some in the same way, plants very much larger than those I am
sending you, in fact, one measured over 1 yard in diameter. I
should esteem it a favour if you can tell the cause and how to
remedy it, as I am afraid my beds will soon begin to look unsightly.
— Marguerite, Sussex.
A. The plants are infested by the Sclerotium disease, a parasitic
fungus which probably attacks and kills more plants of different
species, and belonging to widely separated orders, than any other.
The disease first shows itself in the sudden cessation of growth in
the plants. Upon examination the roots and rootstem are found to
be dead, and on them, usually at or near the ground line, appears a
very delicate white mould encircling the stem. The mycelium also
penetrates into the interior, and gradually extends upwards. Finally
the stem becomes dry and brittle and falls down. The whitish fluffy
mould first seen soon changes to a brownish colour, and liberates
clouds of minute spores when rubbed. This is the earliest and most
frequent form under which the fungus appears, and is called the
Botrytis or summer stage. In Potatoes, Beans, and other plants
with hollow stems, the mycelium or spawn grows up inside the
stem, and there forms numerous irregularly shaped solid bodies
varying in shape from that of a Mustard seed to that of a grain of
wheat. In the Chrysanthemum and other plants of a semi-ligneous
nature, these bodies are formed just beneath the bark, anil somewhat
more sparsely and much smaller. They are at first white or pale in
colour, but become black outside when mature, and are called
sclerotia, and give name to the fungus, viz. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.
They remain in this condition until the following season, when,
owing to the decay of the host plant previously, and thus liberated,
they produce spores which infest a new crop. The prevalence of
the sclerotium disease is due to plants containing sclerotia being
left on the land, or in the dead plants being thrown on the rubbish
heap, and their remains as vegetable mould being returned to the
land. It is important, therefore, to remove and burn all plants
WINDOW PLANTS 93
infested by the disease. Gas lime or quick lime should be applied
to the land.
Making and Planting a Window Box
Q. I should be glad of a few hints on the above subject. — Suburban.
A. The box should be made about 2 inches wider than the
window sill, and 7 inches deep. Bore a number of holes through
the bottom of the box to drain away all surplus water, and paint the
outside of the box dark green. Use f-inch boards. Wedges may be
used to make the box stand level on the window sills. Put in
cinders 2 inches deep for drainage, and use a compost of loam and
leaf soil in equal proportions. Scarlet Geraniums, white Marguerites^
and blue Lobelia ; or Fuchsias, single flowered Petunias, and Lobelia
would make good combinations. Put in the plants in May. Carna-
tions are admirable plants for a window box ; they should be
allowed to droop over the edge.
Selection of Plants for Window Box
Q. Will you please give a list of plants suitable for growing in a
window box ?— E. A. T., Sutton.
A. The following list of plants that may be grown in windows
will be useful for reference : Bulbs of different sorts, especially
Crocuses, Snowdrops, and Hyacinths ; Cactus, various kinds ; Arum
Lily, Richardia aethiopica ; Campanula pyramidalis ; Creeping
Jenny ; Echeveria ; Euonymus variegatus ; Indiarubber Plant,
Ficus elastica : Fuchsias, various, kinds ; Geraniums, various ;
Hydrangea ; orange coloured Lily, Imantophyllum ; Ivy-leaved
Geranium ; Ivies, various kinds ; lemon scented Verbena ; golden
rayed Lily, L. auratum ; Lobelias, various kinds ; Lily of the
Valley ; Mother of Thousands, Saxif raga ; Musk; Myrtle; Oak-
leaf Geranium ; Orange Tree ; Saxifrages, various sorts ; Vallota
purpurea, Scarboro' Lily.
Window Box Plants for Winter
f
Q. What can I put in my window boxes for the winter now that
the Geraniums and other flowers are over 1— Anxious, Bury.
A. Window boxes are too frequently stored out of sight at
this season ; but they may be utilised for the reception of
several different kinds of shrub. Variegated Euonymus, Cupressus,
Hollies, Box, and others, can all be purchased in small pots at no
great price ; these, if plunged in the soil of the boxes, with a few
bulbs intermingled, will provide a cheerful if not brilliant display,
94 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
which will be found far preferable to the blanks caused by the
removal of the boxes. Small plants of variegated Ivy can be
secured for draping the front of the boxes.
Treatment of Newly Potted Bulbs
Q. I am told that newly potted bulbs should be plunged for five or
six weeks so as to encourage the formation of roots before top growth
starts. Could 1 use sawdust for covering them ? — E. A. T., Rugby.
A. Yes ; you may plunge the pots containing the bulbs in
sawdust, but ordinary sand would be far more suitable— it is better
than ashes. Crocuses, Snowdrops, Tulips, Hyacinths and Narcissi
should all be plunged in the same way.
Rose of Jericho
Q. I should be glad of a few particulars of this extraordinary
plant. — Amateur, S. Wales.
A. This is a common name for Anastatica Hierochuntina, which
is also known as one of the Resurrection Plants. This plant recovers
its original form, however dry it may be, on immersion in water, but
it is not true that it will come into full flower in so short a space of
time. This curious plant is in fact an annual, the leaves of which
fall off after flowering ; the branches and branchlets then become
dry, hard, and ligneous, curling inwards at their extremities. Even
after the lapse of many years in this dry state the plant will resume
its vitality on being placed in water. It is a native of Syria and the
Mediterranean region, and when in a dry round ball it is readily
blown about the sea shore. By some commentators it is supposed to
be the " rolling thing before the whirlwind" mentioned by Isaiah.
About Tuberoses
Q. When is the best time to pot up Tuberoses to provide blossom
in the greenhouse in summer ? — E. K. J., Sussex.
A. April is a suitable time to pot the bulbs of Tuberoses to
flower during the summer. Suitable pots are those of the 3£-
or 4-inch sizes. The Tuberoses like turfy soil, and leaf mould,
decayed manure, and sand should be included. It will be necessary
to plunge them in cocoanut fibre, and if this is directly over the hot
water pipes so much the better. One watering immediately after
potting is all that is required till growth commences, although if
close to the pipes the fibre should be kept moist. When growing
freely remove to 6- inch pots, place on a sunny shelf, and water more
liberally, giving occasional applications of liquid manure.
CHAPTER VI
All about Chrysanthemums
Taking Chrysanthemum Cuttings
Q. Will you tell me when and how to take Chrysanthemum
cuttings?— #. If., Staines.
A. When the plants have finished flowering let them get a little
dry at the roots, then cut them down to within 6 inches of the soil.
They should be exposed to the open air for a day or two, as this will
make the cuttings firm and not so likely to fail. They are best
struck in 3-inch pots, which should be perfectly clean and well
crocked to ensure thorough drainage. Fill up the pots nearly to the
rims with soil, and press it down firmly, and over this place a
sprinkling of silver sand. The strongest cuttings should be selected
and taken off with a sharp knife ; they should be about 3 or 4
inches long. Cut off a few of the lower leaves, and they will then
be ready for inserting in the pots. Four or five cuttings should be
inserted round the sides of the pots, and the soil should be pressed
firmly about them. This done, sprinkle them with water. If the
cuttings are wintered in a frame the pots should be placed on a layer
of ashes. Keep the frame shut up close till the cuttings have taken
root, then admit air on every favourable occasion to prevent them
from becoming drawn. During frosty weather the frame should be
covered over with mats. Those who have a greenhouse can winter
their cuttings with more ease and safety, and nothing suits them
better than to be placed on a shelf near the glass.
Chrysanthemums for blooming in November
and December
Q. Please give rne a list of varieties that will bloom at this
season. I shall grow them in the border, and pot up in September
and bring into the greenhouse. — /. 0. If., Wanstead.
A. The following are suitable varieties, namely, Source d'Or ;
White and Yellow Selborne; Kathleen Thompson, A. J. Balfour,
Mrs. W. Knox, Crimson Source d'Or, Dr. Enguehard, Madame R.
Oberthur, Princess Victoria, white, also yellow Princess Victoria,
95
OUTDOOK CHRYSANTHEMUM MAGGIE (LIGHT YELLOW).
ALL ABOUT CHRYSANTHEMUMS 97
W. H. Lincoln, Tuxedo, La Triomphante, Winter Cheer, Souvenir
d'une Petite Amie, Jason, Mr. F. S. Vallis, J. H. Silsbury, Mrs. G.
Beach, L. Canning, Mrs. J. C. Neville, Roi des Blancs, Western
King, and Christmas Crimson.
On "Stopping" Certain Chrysanthemums
Q. Will you give directions as to stopping the shoots of the follow-
ing varieties?— 0. T. E.y Chester.
A. Assuming that you wish to grow the plants for the production
of blooms for the early November shows, you should treat the plants
as follows. Henry Perkins and Madame Carnot, stop March 20th,
and take second crown buds. Chrysanthemum Leroux, Joseph
Rocher, Mr. F. S. Vallis, Countess of Warwick, Capt. P. Scott, and
George Lock should be allowed to make natural breaks, and first
crowns be taken in August. Miss Lily Mountford, J. H. Silsbury
and Vicar of Leatherhead, stop April 20th, second crowns. Madame
R. Oberthur, Emily Mileham, and Bessie Godfrey, stop May 20th,
first crowns. Miss Mildred Ware, Lady Randolph, and N.C.S.
Jubilee, stop April 10th, second crowns. Ben Wells, stop March 20th,
second crowns. Mrs. F. Judson, stop May 5th, first crowns. Merst-
ham Yellow is an early flowering variety, and should only be stopped
once, at the end of April. Western King is a late flowering variety, and
should be stopped twice, in April and in June.
How to Grow Chrysanthemums
Q. I have (November) bought three dozen Chrysanthemums in
bloom; they are in 8-inch pots. I have had them about five weeks.
Some of them are over now, but there is new growth starting. I
bought these with the object of increasing them next year. Now
some of my friends say bury the pots as they are in the open, some
say stand them in a cold frame, and all say you will get some shoots
for cuttings next spring. I would like your advice. — H. W., Clissold
Park.
A. When all the flowers have faded place the pots in a cold
frame, or, failing a frame, in a greenhouse close to the glass, to pre-
vent the young shoots being drawn up weakly. Cut off the old
stems 6 inches above the soil level ; they are now useless. In March
next you may use the young sucker shoots — those growing through
the soil— for increasing the stock ; they will root readily enough in
sandy soil when inserted as cuttings. The cuttings will grow into
fine flowering plants next autumn.
OUTDOOR CHRYSANTHEMUM WHITE ST. CROUTTS.
ALL ABOUT CHRYSANTHEMUMS 99
How to Cure Chrysanthemum Rust
Q. My plants are badly affected with this reddish fungus. What
can I do to cure it or prevent its appearance another year 1 — Anxious,
tSurbiton.
A. Take the cuttings in December, sooner or later as convenient,
trim the leaves off the cuttings, and do not leave more foliage than
is absolutely necessary ; do not cut the bases off, label each lot of
cuttings, and bury them in sulphur in a close fitting box — a biscuit
box would do. Use plenty of sulphur so as to cover the cuttings.
CHRYSANTHEMUM CUTTINGS. BAD ON LEFT ; GOOD
ON RIGHT.
Leave them in the box for twenty-four hours, then take out, cut off
the bases and insert in the usual way. The cuttings will nag a little,
but will soon pick up after being put in the cutting box. If
possible strike them in another house, apart from the house in which
they flowered, or even in a cold frame. This treatment invariably
effects a cure : you may follow it with confidence.
UNSUITABLE CUTTING, CONTAINS
FLOWER BUD AT A. BUDS
WILL FORM PREMATURELY
AS AT B.
SUITABLE CUTTING PREPARED
FOR INSERTION. LEAF RE-
MOVED AT A, B, STEM CUT
THROUGH AT A.
STEM CUTTINGS (UNSUIT-
ABLE) ARE SHOWN AT A.
GOOD CUTTINGS (FROM
SOIL) ARE SHOWN AT B.
A SHOWS BLUNT STICK FOR MAKING
HOLE FOR CUTTING. NOTE THAT
SAND FALLS IN HOLE FROM SUR-
FACE FOR BASE OF CUTTING (B)
TO REST ON,
ALL ABOUT CHRYSANTHEMUMS 101
Chrysanthemums Unsatisfactory
Q. Herewith I send you leaves of Chrysanthemums. I shall be
grateful if you will tell me the cause of the trouble and the cure. —
W. G. A., Arundd.
A. The leaves of the Chrysanthemums are infested with a leaf-
mining grub. Gather the bad leaves and burn them. Your plants
need stimulants. Feed them with clear soot water, liquid manure and
B
'•TAKING" CHRYSANTHEMUM BUDS.
TERMINAL BUD SECURED BY CROWN BUD SHOWN AT A : THIS
REMOVING OTHERS. WOULD NOT DEVELOP UNLESS
SHOOTS B WERE REMOVED
WHEN SMALL.
artificials judiciously. The Carnations are also suffering from rust.
Pick off the leaves affected, and carefully syringe the plants with the
Bordeaux mixture. Use copper sulphate 1 lb., soda crystals H lb.»
water Ilk gallons ; or you may use verdigris 1 lb., water 12 gallons-
Spray the plants thoroughly.
Treatment of Chrysanthemums
Q. What artificial manure do you recommend for Chrysanthe-
mums after they are housed ? For the last three or four years I have
102 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
grown some fine plants of Chrysanthemum, which have produced
very promising buds. 1 try to grow them on to what I think is the
best bud for each individual variety, the buds appearing ready for
taking generally from the first week of August until the middle of
September. When housed, as a rule, my plants are perfectly clean and
healthy, but the buds do not develop as I anticipate, considering the
health and strength of the plants. I fancy it is something to do with
feeding after they are housed. I have so far restricted myself to
pure Peruvian guano, keeping the house and atmosphere as dry as
I can with a temperature of 50° to 55°. Would you also tell me what
you think is the best bud to take to get good blooms of Mrs.
A. T. Miller, Rose Pockett, Pockett's Surprise, Formality, and
Splendour ? — Chrysanthemum, Upper Norwood.
A. It is quite possible that you have taken first crown buds too
eirly, and that the petals have not, in consequence, opened as freely,
and developed into as large flowers as they would if buds were taken
ten days or a fortnight later. Furthermore, you may have crippled
the roots by over feeding. Clay's Fertilizer, guano and other con-
centrated manures are suitable for feeding the plants after the latter
are placed under glass. The best buds to take of the following
varieties, Formality, Mrs. A. T. Miller, Rose Pockett, Pockett's Sur-
prise, and Splendour, are second crown buds.
Outdoor Chrysanthemums in Winter
Q. Will you tell me how to preserve outdoor Chrysanthemums
during the winter ? The situation is rather low. Last winter after I
had cut them down I covered them well over with ashes, but lost
every one. — B. J. C., Melton Mowbray.
A, If you have a cold frame, the best way is to take them up and
plant them thickly together in the frame, covering with mats in very
severe weather, planting in the borders again towards the end of
March. If you have not a frame, we should take them up and plant
at the foot of a south warm wall, packing some dry leaves well round
them, but not covering up the top of the plants. On very severe
nights cover over with mats or litter. In this way you should have
no difficulty in preserving your plants through the winter.
CHAPTER VII
Failures with Bulbous Flowers — How to Avoid
Them
Gladioli not Flowering
Q. I planted a lot of Gladiolus bulbs in March, very few of
which flowered the same year. Are they likely to be of any use
another year ? — H. (7., Southsea.
A. If you lift, dry, and store the bulbs until the early part of
spring, they will probably flower next year. They have not
been strong enough to do so this year. The bulbs must be of
sufficient size, and be well ripened to produced flower spikes.
Daffodils, Tulips, etc., for Exhibition
Q. Please inform me the best varieties of Daffodils, Tulips, and
any other kind of bulbs suitable for exhibition. Also the best time
to pot same for exhibiting the early part of April, and whether to
keep pots in cold greenhouse or outside. — Carnation, Gosport.
A. Daffodils : Emperor, M. J. Berkeley, Mrs. Walter Ware,
J. B. M. Camm, Madame de Graaff, Gloria Mundi, Sir Watkin,
Barrii conspicuus, Albatross, Duchess of Westminster, John Bain,
Poeticus ornatus. The above varieties represent the chief sections
into which Daffodils are divided. A representative section such as
this should find favour with the judges, in preference to all yellow
trumpet or bicolor varieties, for instance. The sorts named can all
be obtained at a reasonable price. Early single Tulips : White,
Joost van Vondel, King of the Yellows, Rose Gris de Lin, Prince of
Austria, Couleur Cardinal, and Duchesse de Parme. May flowering
single Tulips : Clara Butt, Bouton d'Or, Pride of Haarlem, Mrs.
Farn combe Sanders, La Tulipe Noire, Picotee. Hyacinths would
be excellent bulbs for you to grow for exhibition ; good varieties
are Vuurbaak, crimson ; Cavaignac, pale rose pink ; Mont Blanc,
white ; Grandeur a Merveille, pale blush ; Captain Boyton, lilac
blue ; General Havelock, dark blue ; Bird of Paradise, yellow.
Pot up the bulbs in October, plunge them in ashes for about six
weeks, then, if rooting freely, remove to a cold frame till February,
103
104 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
plunging the pots to the rims in ashes. Towards the end of
February place them in a cold greenhouse. If too early you can
retard them by shading from the sun, and keeping abundance of
air on the house. If you decide to grow the May flowering Tulips,
bring these into your greenhouse a month earlier.
Bulbs from Stem of Tiger Lily
Q. Will you tell me whether the enclosed bulbs (taken from
joints of stem of Tiger Lily) will bloom the first year, and also any
special preparation as regards soil and growth ? — /. Hewlett, Bow.
FOUR TULIP BULBS POTTED IN 5-INCH WIDE POT.
A. The bulbs you speak of, which have been taken from the
stems of Tiger Lilies, will not flower next year, or for two or three
years to come, most likely. You may get flowers the third year
after the bulbils have been formed, or an odd one or two may even
appear the second year, but this is very unlikely. The best way to
grow them is to make up a bed of peat and sandy loam in about
equal proportions, about 6 inches deep, on well drained ground.
Plant the bulbils from 1 inch to 2 inches below the surface, on a bed
of silver sand, and scatter a little more sand on them before covering
them with soil. In two years' time lift, sort into large and small,
and replant.
FIVE DAFFODIL BULBS IN 6-INCH POT. SOIL HAS STILL TO BE
"ADDED, AND WILI HALF COVER THE BULBS.
THREE HYACINTH BULBS IN A 6-INCH FLOWER POT. THESE
AND TULIP BULBS SHOULD BE HALF COVERED WITH SOIL.
106 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Lilies Diseased
Q. Will you please tell me the probable cause of enclosed Liliums
dying off? Both blooms and leaves are falling. I cannot account
for it, unless it is
because I have
given them on two
occasions weak
manure water
(sheep's). I have
nearly a dozen va-
rieties of Liliums,
in my garden. 1
should like to
give the ground a
good digging this
autumn or winter.
Shall I leave the
bulbs in and not
disturb them or
take them out and
put in again, as I
have done each
previous year 1 —
HOW A LILY BULB IS POTTED. F. B., Bow,
A. Your Lilies
are affected with one of the diseases that of late years have at-
tacked these lovely subjects. There is little you can do to stay
its progress. Some Lily growers, when their bulbs have been
attacked, have taken them up and placed them in bags of sul-
phur, allowing this substance to percolate well among the scales.
Replanted the next year they have shown no signs of the disease.
We should certainly advise you to take up the bulbs and replant
again after turning over the ground as you propose. In replanting
place a little peat beneath each bulb and surround it with ^ inch of
sand. L. aura turn should be planted 8 inches deep, and L. umbella-
tum about 5 inches.
About Lily Bulbs
Q. I have three Lilies (Lilium auratum) which have just finished
flowering — two of the pots contained seventeen and thirteen blooms
respectively— and now I do not know how to treat them. Should
ONE OP THE FINEST OF ALL DAFFODILS FOR THE GARDEN,
SIR WATKIN, PALE YELLOW.
108 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
they be put outside and repotted in the spring 1 — A . K. C., North
umberland.
A. Place the pots containing the bulbs in a cool frame and
gradually withhold water. In spring repot them in small pots so
that you can transfer them to larger ones in due course.
Growing Lilies in Pots
Q. I am anxious to grow Lilies in pots. Which are the best for
the purpose ? and how are they grown 1 — H. E. W., Eamsgate.
A. The potting
should be done at
any time during
the resting season
of the bulbs, pre-
ferably in autumn.
A good soil is
made by mixing
together loam and
peat in equal parts,
and adding smaller
quantities of sharp
silver sand and
charcoal broken to
the size of Hazel
Nuts. Deep pot-
ting should be
practised so as to
leave space above
the bulbs for top
dressing later on
when growth is
being made. Speciosum varieties, auratum and candidum are
the most useful.
Gladiolus Bulbs
Q. Last season I grew a lot of Gladioli The Bride, and some
hybrids in pots in heated greenhouse. Would these bulbs be worth
growing in pots another year I—Rosa, Derby.
A. You can grow these on another year and they would succeed
very well. The bulbs should be shaken free of soil and hung up
in an airy shed, until the sap has gone out of their foliage, when
CROCUS SIR WALTER SCOTT, GROWN IX
FLOWER POT IN COLD GREENHOUSE.
ROOM PLANTS 109
they may be cleaned and placed in dry sand or bags, and kept in
a cool, dry place ready for another season.
Room Plants
Room Plants Failing
Q. Will you please tell me what is wrong with my Aspidistra —
why the leaves that have grown up tall all split, and why all the new
leaves that come up now have taken to be so short ? They unfold
so quickly and do not grow at all. — E. I?., Kensington.
A. The leaves have most likely been knocked by people passing
by, especially when they were young and tender. As the young
leaves lack vigour the plant evidently needs dividing and repotting.
If unable to do this take it to the florist. Turfy soil 2 parts, sand
and leaf soil 1 part, make up a good soil mixture. February or
early March is a good time to repot. This plant, when well rooted,
needs a lot of water in summer and comparatively little in winter.
Norfolk Island Pine f Araucaria excelsa) in Room
Q. I have a fine plant of this in my dining room. It is full
grown, six tiers high, the lower branches still on and quite healthy,
but the roots show on the top of the pot, also at the bottom, and I
am told they object to repotting. I do not want to lose it by so
doing ; can you please advise me as to how it should be dealt with ]
— M. M. C. W., Essex.
A. If the pot is well filled with roots it will be advisable to repot
the plant in spring. Use a mixture of fibrous loam and peat in
equal proportions, and sand to make the whole porous. Press down
the new soil carefully and firmly, and see that the soil never gets too
dry or is kept in a saturated condition, and then the tree will
improve in every way.
Repotting Room Plants
Q. Can you give me a few hints on repotting room plants 1 —
'8. T. E., Ealing.
A. Room plants should be examined in February, and if roots in
large numbers have reached the side of the pot, repotting is neces-
sary. I refer to such subjects as Aspidistras, palms, and various
ferns which are used for indoor decoration. Unless the plant is to
be returned to a pot of the same size as was previously occupied it
will not be advisable to disturb the roots a great deal. For some
time after potting watering must be carefully performed, giving it;
only when the soil is fairly dry, or sourness of the soil will result,
CHAPTER VIII
Grape Growing in Greenhouses
Vine for Unheated Greenhouse
Q. I have an unheated greenhouse. Can I grow Grapes there
with any measure of success ? — E. S. T., Finchley.
A. Quite easily. Excellent crops may be had from an unheated
greenhouse provided (1) this is in a sunny place, (2) the proper
varieties are grown, (3) that certain simple cultural details are
attended to. The first thing is to make a good border. Dig out a
hole 3 feet across and 3 feet deep. Put a layer of bricks in the
bottom for drainage and a layer of turves, grass side downwards, on
these. Then fill the hole with turfy soil (turves each chopped into
about 6 pieces with a spade) with which a good sprinkling of half
inch bones and one fourth part well rotted manure were previously
mixed. Do not plant within a fortnight ; this will allow the soil
to settle down. A properly prepared border is of the first im-
portance.
Q. Does it matter whether the Vine is planted out of doors or
inside the vinery 1
A . It makes no real difference providing the border is well made.
The Vine is hardy, frost will not harm it. If planted outside, how-
ever, it is wise to protect that part of the stem that is out of doors
by wrapping it round well with straw or hay.
Q. Which are the most suitable varieties?
A. Black Hamburgh is the best of the black Grapes for this
purpose ; Foster's Seedling, Buckland Sweetwater and Royal
Muscadine are suitable white sorts.
Q. When should vines be planted ?
A. In March just as growth is about to commence, or in autumn
or winter.
Pruning Vines
Q. How are Vines pruned ? — Ignorant, Windsor.
A. Newly planted Vines are cut down to within a foot of the
base. One shoot is allowed to grow to form the future stem or rod ;
110
112 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
all the others are rubbed off. If there is room for two stems then
two may be allowed to develop. The following year the Vine may
be left 3 feet long ; each year 3 feet of new stem is left until the
allotted space is filled. Meantime side growths will form. Some
of the best, at intervals of 15 to 18 inches apart, are allowed to grow ;
others are rubbed off in spring when quite small. Those shoots left
are called laterals and will form spurs.
Pruning Lateral Shoots.
Q. How are lateral shoots or spurs pruned I — Ljrwrant, Windsor.
A. The pruning is simplicity itself. Each year (in January) the
previous summer's growth is cut back to within two buds of the
base, thus practically all the previous year's growth is cut away.
When these two buds start into growth in spring only one is retained;
if neither contains a bunch then the weaker is rubbed off ; if one
MAKING A
VINE
BORDER.
contains a bunch and the other does not, naturally the former is
retained. The embryo bunch can be distinguished when the shoot
is only an inch long.
GRAPE GROWING IN GREENHOUSES 113
Treatment of Vines during Summer
Q. Would you give general directions for treatment of Vines
during the summer months ?— Ignorant, Windsor.
A. The side shoots are " stopped " at one leaf beyond the bunch ;
if the shoot bears no bunch then it is stopped when it has made
five leaves. Further shoots that grow are stopped beyond one leaf.
Until the top of the vinery is reached the leading shoot
is allowed to grow unchecked, 3 feet only of the summer's
growth being left at the January pruning. A moist, warm atmo-
sphere is necessary until the Grapes begin to colour, then more
air and less moisture are essential. Avoid giving much air at
once ; the ventilators should be opened gradually. Allow the
VINE WITH BOOTS SPREAD OUT
FOB PLANTING. THE WAVED
LINE INDICATES SURFACE OF
SOIL.
VINE AS RECEIVED FROM
THE NURSERY.
temperature to rise 10° above the minimum night temperature before
air is given. When the Vines are in bloom more air and less
moisture than usual should be the order of the day. When the
Grapes are about the size of Black Currants they apparently cease
to make any progress for two or three weeks ; this is the " stoning "
period, the period of seed formation. Thinning the berries when
they are about the size of Peas is an important item of work. When
the Grapes are cut the Vines need full exposure. They cannot then
have too much air. If cut with about 4 inches of growth, Grapes
will keep for weeks in a cool, airy, dark or shaded room. The piece of
114 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
growth is inserted in a bottle of water, the bottles being fixed on a
shelf, slantingly, so that the bunch may hang free.
Vines not Fruiting
Q. I have five Vines (they are twenty-five years old) in a leanto
greenhouse facing south-east. They are trained on wires ; the
border is outside, made and drained. I cut down the old canes
to about 3 feet from the border because they did not produce fruit,
and trained up young canes in their places. The young canes are
SIDE SHOOT OB
LATERAL OF
VINE AS PRUNED
IN JANUARY.
ONE OP THE BUDS WILL GIVE RISE TO A
SHOOT LIKE THIS WHICH IN SUMMER IS
STOPPED TWO OR THREE JOINTS BEYOND
THE BUNCH.
healthy and have plenty of foliage, but where the fruit ought to be
they produce tendrils. — J. TP., Essex.
A. The reason the young rods have not borne bunches is, no
doubt, owing to lack of maturity. If the house is heated, keep the
pipes warm during the autumn and admit plenty of air in the day-
time and even at night, to ripen the wood. In December, just
before Christmas, prune back the young rods to within 3 feet
or so of the base of the current year's growth ; do this each year
until the allotted space is covered. Also top dress the borders with good
fibrous loam and some bone meal. It 'is probable that the variety
you have needs a warmer temperature than you give it. Muscat of
GRAPE GROWING IN GREENHOUSES 115
Alexandria, Madresfield Court, Cannon Hall Muscat, Muscat Ham-
burgh and Mrs. Pince are useless in an unheated house.
Grapes Spoilt
Q. Will you tell me how to prevent Lady Downe's Grapes from
going bad as per berries enclosed 1 The Vine is very old, and is grown
in the same house as Black Hamburgh. I have the roof shaded over
BUNCH OF GRAPES
UNTHINNED.
BUNCH OF GRAPES
THINNED.
the Lady Downe's, and ventilators open about 6.30 a.m. I have the
same trouble more or less every year about stoning time and
although I did not thin them so hard I have had to cut away a lot
of berries, which has spoilt the look of the bunches. The house is
not heated regularly, only on dreary, cold, and wet nights.— W. Foster,
Acton.
A. Your Grapes are badly scalded. The variety Lady Downe's is
more liable to scalding than any other, since it has such a thin skin.
116 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Scalding is always worse when a bright spell of weather comes after
a prolonged dull one, especially if at the time when the berries are
stoning, i.e. when the stones are hardening, and before colour-
ing commences. In addition to the free ventilation and light
shading given, admit a little air all night and warm the pipes too ;
this is all you can do. When the top ventilators are left open an
inch or two all nightj the berries are rarely scalded. Scalding is
caused by the sun shining on the Grapes when they are moist. If
the ventilator is left open the moisture does not settle on the
Grapes.
Foster's Seedling Grape Spotted
Q. Can you tell me the reason of my white Grapes being spotted
in this way ? I enclose a bunch. — E. W., Hendon.
A . The spots on the berries of your Grapes are the result of the
atmosphere of the vinery being kept too cold and too damp. When
Grapes are quite ripe it is the inevitable result that decay follows
unless the air of the house is kept sufficiently warm and dry to
prevent it.
Grapes Shrivelling before Ripe
Q. I am much disappointed in my Grapes. The berries and
the stalks shrivel, rendering the fruit quite useless. — H. E. *S'.,
Oxon.
A. The shrivelling of the berries is due to shanking, a failing
brought about by a number of causes, the chief being a sour and
badly drained border. At the same time the berries will shank if
the border is allowed to become dry, and it should be borne in mind
that Vines from the time of starting until the time of colouring need
copious supplies of water, with occasional applications of liquid
manure. Examine the border frequently, and never allow it to
become dry. The fumes from burning sulphur are, as you have
learnt, very injurious to growing Vines, but we attribute the shank-
ing either to sour soil or to overcropping the previous year.
Top Dressing Vine Borders
Q. What is the best material with which to top dress Vine
borders ? Can I use fowl manure 1 — A . E. JF., Walsall.
A. Cow manure is by far the .best, but as you are unable to
procure it the fowl manure may be used as a substitute. It should
first of all be mixed with about its own bulk of turfy soil, and then
GRAPE GROWING IN GREENHOUSES 117
spread over the borders to a depth of 2 or 3 inches. Horse litter
may also be given, but not in the fresh state. When half rotted it
may be spread evenly over the border.
About a Greenhouse and Neglected Vines
Q. I write to ask your advice about a greenhouse I have. It is
50 by 14 feet, and contains no stage or shelves. It is 3 feet high at
sides, and 9 feet high at the apex. Can I grow vegetables in it 1 or
what would be more profitable 1 I have a Vine that has not been
pruned for three years. Can I cut it hard back ? — Constant Reader,
Stockport.
A. You may force Rhubarb and Seakale in the greenhouse in the
winter months, and grow Mushrooms, early Lettuces, and, later
Kidney Beans, in pots or boxes. In summer time you cannot do
better than grow Tomatoes. The proper time to prune the Vine is
at the end of December, but if you cut away the growths of several
years hard back to the main rod, side shoots will grow again, but
there would be little fruit the same year. The best plan would
be to prune to the base of the shoots of this year's growth, leaving
two buds only, {There would be long spurs, but it is not possible to
avoid them unless you out hard back, and sacrifice most of the fruit
for a year or two. This would be best in the end ; it would give the
Vines a new lease of life and result in fresh vigorous growths.
Treatment of Ripening Grapes
Q. My Grapes are just beginning to colour. Should I still con-
tinue syringing and damping down the path and walls 1 and .if so,
how long? They are mostly Black Hamburgh and Alicante.—
0. N., Hampstead.
A. You must cease syringing the Vines, bu^ damping down
should continue a little longer, say for two or three weeks, although
it must be gradually diminished. On dull, wet days it will not be
necessary at all.
Grapes Failing
Q. I am sending a bunch of Black Alicante, and should feel very
grateful if you could tell me the reason of their disfigurement. I
have two Vines, and for two or three years have had occasional
bunches go in the same way, but this year every bunch is affected ;
I have about twenty bunches on each Vine. The Vine itself seems
quite healthy. I have the border inside, so that I keep it in good
118 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
condition. I do not force them at all — just have a little heat when
they begin to grow, generally about March, until warm weather sets
in. Is it lack of heat 1 Gros Colmar and a white Muscat do well in
same house. I shall have had them nine or ten years. — A Lady
Gardener, Suffolk.
A. Your Vines are affected with what is known as scald. It is
caused through inefficient ventilation, especially on bright, sunny
mornings whilst the vinery and even the berries are damp with con-
densed moisture. It usually attacks Grapes when they have nearly
finished stoning. There is no cure for the berries once affected.
The way to prevent its attack is to ventilate freely as soon as the
berries have commenced to stone, until they have done stoning and
are commencing to colour. The ventilators, both front and top,
should be thrown wide open in front of the Vines in warm weather
during the day, and a little air must be left on all night.
Treatment of Vine
Q. Will you please give me information as to the treatment of
a Black Hamburgh Vine 1 I have gathered all the Grapes and
the leaves are fast dying off, and I am now at a loss what to do.
The previous owner of the Vine advised me to lift it down from
the glass and lay it on the floor of the greenhouse to rest, also to
place a small load of cow manure on the roots in January. Is this
the correct treatment ? I know that the laterals should be pruned
back to two buds ; but when 1—W.S.8., Notts.
A. The Vine needs little or no attention now. Its chief need is
fresh air, so that the growth may ripen well ; therefore keep the
house cold by opening the ventilators wide. Pruning may be done
in December or January. Each of the side shoots is cut back to
the two lowest buds on the past summer's growth. A dressing of
cow manure on the outside border in January would be advisable ;
strawy litter would be better, putting on and forking in the cow
manure in March. The strawy litter would be warmer as a winter
covering.
Sulphuring Hot Water Pipes in a Vinery for
the Destruction of Red Spider
Q. Would you kindly advise me if it would be safe to use sulphur
and lime on the hot water pipes in a vinery in which the Grapes are
ripe and in which there is a lot of Maidenhair Ferns and other
plants ? I have no other house for plants, and later on there will be
GRAPE GROWING IN GREENHOUSES 119
all the bedding plants and Chrysanthemums. Kindly advise me as
to the best time to clean the house.— No. 53, Bucks.
A. It is quite safe to sulphur the hot water pipes in a vinery in
which the Grapes are ripe, provided it is not done excessively, other-
wise there is danger of injuriously affecting the skin of white Grapes
such as Muscat of Alexandria, White Frontignan, and indeed all white
varieties, the fumes taming the skin to a bluish colour, and to some
extent detracting from their appearance. But as you say there are
a number of Maidenhair Ferns and other plants in the house, it would
not be safe to use the sulphur on the hot water pipes, as the fumes
will certainly injure the more tender of the growths and cause them
to become brown. The better plan would be to use a sponge and go
over the leaves carefully, the sponge being moistened with a soft soap
solution, 2 oz. or 3 oz. soft soap to 1 gallon of water, and thus break
up the webs and remove most of the pests by the process. This is a
tedious but a sure way of palliating the evil, and would be the best.
Rust on Muscat Grapes
Q. Enclosed is a sample of Muscat of Alexandria Grape, being the
first fruit of a four year old Vine with an outside border. The
Vines were started in the first week of February. The brown marks
on the Grapes were noticed about a fortnight ago (August). —
JZnquirer, Newbury.
A. The Muscat of Alexandria Grapes are affected by rust. Over-
heating of the pipes while the berries were small would cause the
mischief. If the roots of the Vines are in a cold border, this condi-
tion of affairs would be aggravated ; violent changes in the tempera-
ture are also likely to predispose the Vines to this malady.
Yine Leaves Diseased
Q. Can you tell me what is the matter with the Vine leaves
enclosed ? They seem in a bad way. What can I do to cure them ? —
A.E.T., Bury.
A. Your Vines are suffering from a bad attack of thrips, red
spider and mildew, and if these pests are not speedily destroyed you
stand a very poor chance of getting any useful returns from your
Vines. Amongst the 'chief causes of attack from red spider and
mildew are the following : Over cropping the Vines in previous
years ; insufficient thought and care in ventilating, especially in
spring and early summer ; dryness at the roots, and a too close
proximity of the foliage to the glass in hot weather. The cause of
120 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
attack from thrips is usually the bringing of plants which are infested
with them into the vinery. For the destruction of red spider and
thrips you should fumigate with XL ALL on two successive evenings
when the weather is calm, of course closing down the ventilators to
prevent the escape of fumes. To destroy the mildew you should
heat the hot water pipes moderately and paint the pipes over with
flowers of sulphur made into the consistency of paint by added
water, sealing up the vinery as closely as possible, as in the case of
fumigating. Do this on two successive evenings of calm days.
Afterwards do all you can to encourage healthy growth, by keeping
up a moist and congenial atmosphere in the vinery.
Fumigating" with Hydrocyanic Acid Gas
Q. White fly is a nuisance in my greenhouses. I am thinking of
fumigating with hydrocyanic acid gas. In the directions it says :
"After an hour the doors should be opened, also the ventilators,
but only if they can be opened from the outside. In no circum-
stances should the house be entered until the next morning after
ventilating." Most of my houses are span-roofed, with top venti-
lators and one at end. I could arrange to open the end one from
outside, and, of course, the door. Would this be enough 1 How
long would it be necessary to ventilate 1 Will white fly live all the
winter in cold houses or frames 1 — E. M.t Chepstow.
A. If you were to open the end ventilator all night it should be
sufficient to clear the house of gas ; but it would be just as well to
stand the door open for an hour in the morning. When using it I
could only open the side ventilator of the houses, and I always
found them clear in the morning. Great care should be exercised
when using the above fumigant. The door of the house or houses
should be securely fastened, and a notice on it warning anyone from
entering the house ; one inhalation of the gas will prow fatal. If
only troubled with white fly, I would advise fumigating with
XL ALL compound, or any of the other good compounds offered
for sale, as white fly is very easily killed. Of course, to get rid of
it one must fumigate several times, as fresh broods hatch out. It
is usually troublesome during autumn, and should not live during
winter in houses or frames, unless they are kept hot and close
The proportions I have used per 1,000 cubic feet are 2| oz. cyanide
of potassium, 4 oz. fluid ulphuric acid, 8 oz. water. Use a
shallow earthenware vessel, and be careful to add the acid to the
water, not the water to the acid.
CHAPTER IX
Fruit Growing Problems
Apple Trees Affected by Insects
Q. Will you inform me how to get rid of a pest which has in-
fested about fifty of my young apple trees 1 It appears at first white
and fluffy, and when examined bugs are seen. They fasten on the
AN OLD ESPALIER APPLE TREE IN FULL BLOOM.
young growth and cause an ugly swelling on the bark, and eat right
through the bark in places and cause the growth to die back. A
gardener in this district told me to use soft soap, but I am sorry to
say it has had little, if any, effect on them. I am afraid it only
serves to drive them from one branch to another. — Wm. Lawrence,
Guildford.
121
122 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
A. Your trees are infested by the American Blight (Schizoneura
lanigera). In the autumn procure some ammoniacal liquid from the
gasworks, and with a stiff brush well work the liquid into all
cracks and indentations of the bark. Paraffin may be used. Very
loose pieces of bark remove altogether. Having dealt with the
branches and the trunk of the tree, carefully remove the soil from
around the base of the trunk down to the roots, and treat it in a
similar manner. Remove all the surface soil as far as the full spread
of the branches, burn it, and put on some fresh loam in its place.
Grafted Apple Trees Dying
Q. Can you tell me the disease which has caused the death of
enclosed Apple tree ? I have grafted a good many trees the last year
or two, many of them have been stricken in the same way.— E., Kent.
A. It is very seldom one hears of the death of an Apple tree
grown under the usual natural conditions, but it is not at all unusual
for grafted trees to succumb to the operation in the course of a year
or two's time. This is more particularly the case with trees which are
fairly old when grafted, the reason, we believe, being that the shock
of cutting away the trees' limbs has so disorganised and weakened
the trees' functions, both root and branch, that they have never re-
covered. We think that the death of your trees is due to this cause.
Transplanting an Apple Tree
Q. I moved an apple tree from one part of my garden to another
on September 18th, All the leaves have shrivelled and appear dead.
What can I do ?- W. II. C.t -Essex.
A. It is a pity you moved the tree so early. You should have
waited until the leaves had fallen and growth had ceased — say at the
end of October or early in November — and the tree would scarcely
have felt the check of removal. Being a young tree, we have
no doubt it will soon get over any injury received. The symptoms
you mention as regards the leaves dying and sticking on the
branches, and the branches shrivelling, are the usual indication of
too early lifting. Prune the tree about the end of December.
Pears Cracked and much Disfigured
Q. Can you tell me why my Pears are cracked and disfigured in
this way ? I enclose a few fruits. — E, 2\ W., Slough.
A. The fruits are infected by the disease known popularly as Pear
scab, caused by the parasitic fungus, Fusicladium dendriticum var-
FRUIT GROWING PROBLEMS 123
pirinum. This is probably the most general and widely distributed
of fungoid diseases attacking Pears. The disease is usually only
recognised on the fruit, the casual observer not noticing that the
scab first appears on the leaves and young shoots, from whence
the spores are washed by rain on to the fruit, which, as a rule, is
the last to be attacked. If the fruit is nearly full grown before it is
infected the spots formed by the fungus remain comparatively small
and cracking does not generally ensue. As regards preventive and
repressive treatment, the chief points to be attended to are : 1, all
diseased fruits, or parings of them, should be collected and burnedj
and it is good practice to gather and burn the leaves as soon as they
have fallen in the autumn, or bury them somewhat deeply in
the ground. 2, spray the trees with a solution of sulphate of copper,
1 Ib. of the sulphate to 25 gallons of water, or 1 oz. to li gallons.
This should be applied during the winter. 3, spray with a solution
of sulphide of potassium, dissolving 1 oz. of the sulphide in 1 gallon
of hot water, and in another vessel 6^ oz. of soft soap in a similar
quantity of hot, soft water. When both thoroughly dissolve, add the
latter solution to that of the sulphide of potassium, stir well, and
dilute to 6| gallons with cold, soft' water, mixing well. The spraying
with the solution should be as follows : First, just as the flower buds
begin to open ; second, when the petals of the flowers are falling ;
and third, when the fruit is the size of Peas or slightly larger. If the
season be rainy, a fourth treatment should be given twelve days
after the third.
Pear Tree Cankered
Q. The enclosed Pear is from a tree about twenty or more years
old, which is badly cankered. Can this be brought round to a
healthy state 1 It is now showing vigorous growth, but has suffered
from neglect in the past. Will you kindly tell me good solutions
with which to syringe large fruit trees for green fly, black fly,
American blight ? — Surrey Subscriber.
A. The Pear tree may be improved by root pruning and the
removal of a lot of surface soil. The latter must be replaced by new
loam and a mulching of rotted manure. Cut off the cankered shoots
quite close, and coat over the cut parts with Fir tree oil. To get rid
of American blight, dress the tree with a solution of I Ib. of caustic
soda dissolved in 1 quart of water, and 4 oz. of soft soap in a similar
quantity ; add the two together, and then dilute with 5 gallons of
rain water. The whole of the bark down to the roots of the trees
124 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
must be thoroughly scrubbed with the mixture. Wear gloves while
applying it. Quassia extract, used according to instructions, will
kill the green and black aphides.
Plums Dropping before Ripening
Q. Many of the Plums on my trees are dropping this season
before they are ripe. Can you explain this ]— 77. E. E., Maidstone.
A. The fall of undersized fruits before they commence to colour
is generally attributed to overcropping. It may also be due to the
blossom being imperfectly fertilised, a condition brought about by
the lack of bees or other insects which visit the early flowers. From
the sample of soil and subsoil sent, we do not think that this is the
cause of failure. We note that the tree was root pruned on one
side last autumn ; if the tree has made a good deal of growth since
then, we strongly advise you to root prune the other side this autumn
and be sure that all large roots are cut, particularly those which go
vertically downwards right underneath the base of the tree. Koot
pruning will oft-times bring an otherwise barren tree into bearing.
About Pruning Fruit Trees
Q. Please tell me why fruit trees cannot be pruned before the
leaves fall. — Fruit, Bedford.
A. The reason why fruit trees ought not to be pruned before the
foliage falls, is that by early pruning the tree would send out
fresh shoots before the autumn had passed. These shoots would be
useless as fruit spurs or as flowering wood, as they would be poorly
developed and not ripened. Summer pruning consists of stopping
the young growths in July.
Pears in Greenhouse Falling While Small
Q. The fruits are falling off my Pear trees (in greenhouse) in con-
siderable numbers, although they are not half developed. Why is
this 1—H. E. B., Blackpool.
A. The fruit is dropping on account of the imperfect fertilisation
of the flowers. On cutting you will find that the young fruit is
practically seedless. There are various causes accountable for this.
Sometimes the pollen on the anthers of the flowers is weak and
scanty, and lacking the power to fecundise the stigma. The remedy
in this case is artificially to fertilise the flowers by applying the
pollen to the stigma by the aid of a camel rhair pencil. Too close
and hot an atmosphere at the time the trees are in bloom will have
FRUIT GROWING PROBLEMS
125
the same effect, therefore always ventilate freely at this time in
sunny weather. It is the same with the Apricot as the Pear. You
will find the stone is jelly-like. You cannot keep the temperature
too low whilst the Apricot is in bloom— say from 40° to 45° at night,
with air all night and day.
Neotarines Splitting
Q. Many of my Nectarines on outdoor trees are badly split. Is
it due to the wet summer ? — ,/. 0. H., Weylridge.
A. The excessive wet is most probably the cause. It is not an
uncommon occurrence. Extreme drought owing to failure to supply
Blenheim Orange. Ribston Pippin. La
THREE GOOD APPLES.
the trees with sufficient water ; saturation of the soil and overcrop-
ping all tend to induce the splitting of the fruits. Boards are some-
times placed on the borders to keep off heavy rains. Plums and
Apricots are liable to be similarly affected.
Peach Leaf Blister
Q. Can you tell me the cause of my outdoor Peach tree leaves
becoming badly blistered in April ? — E. W. Tfr., Hastings.
A. This is due to the attack of Peach curl or Blister fungus
(Exoascus deformans) ; Cherries and Plums are also attacked by it.
It is a troublesome disease, and until within the last few years no
remedy has been found. However, a preparation called Medela,
126 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
made by Messrs. G. Bunyard and Co., the Royal Nurseries, Maid-
stone, is said to be a certain cure.
Pruning Gooseberry Bushes
Q. Will you please tell me when is the proper time to prune
Gooseberry bushes ?— B. J. (7., Melton Mowbray.
A. The best time to prune Gooseberry bushes is in March, just
before they start into growth, because birds during severe weather
are very destructive to the buds. If they are pruned too early,
there is a danger of the few buds left after pruning being destroyed.
If all the branches are left on until spring, the birds are not so
likely to do serious harm. If you have the means of protecting your
trees from the birds, you may prune them any time between Novem-
ber and March.
Pruning Pear Trees
Q. My Pear trees bear little fruit, they are a mass of growth.
Ought I to thin out the latter 1— Anxious, Sale.
A. There are too many small spurs bearing only leaf buds on
your trees. These, when they are fully developed in summer, crowd
the trees to such an extent that a minimum amount of sunshine?
light, and air penetrates amongst the branches of the trees. As a
consequence weak and unripe growth results, which cannot possibly
produce remunerative crops of fruit. The best way of remedying
this in your case is by disbudding. This means the act of rubbing
away, with the finger and thumb, the weakest of the young shoots,
which will appear on these spurs towards the end of April or the
beginning of May, as soon as they are from i to \ inch long. There
will probably appear on each of the spurs from three to five of these
young leaf growths ; in the case of the former, one, the weakest,
should be rubbed off, and in the case of the latter, three of the
weakest should be similarly rubbed off.
Myrobella Plum Hedge
Q. One side of my garden has a hedge formed of Myrobella Plum.
Will you please inform me how to keep same trimmed so as not to
take up too much room ?— L. J/.f Catford.
A. If the hedge iu question is taking too much space, you may
cut the side shoots back severely in the autumn, or not later than the
end of February next. Young shoots will grow in spring, and these
may be cut in in July.
FRUIT GROWING PROBLEMS 127
Plum Tree Infested by Aphis
Q. I send you cuttings from a Plum tree to get your opinion of
the malady and what you would recommend to cure. The whole tree is
affected, and other trees in its neighbourhood are slightly contami-
nated by it. — Coupar Angus.
A. Your tree is badly affected by black aphis. The best way of
destroying it is to cut away all the badly affected points of the young
shoots and burn them, and then syringe your trees copiously with the
following insecticide : Boil 2^ Ib. of Quassia chips, and If Ib. of soft
soap, adding to them 25 gallons of water. This is a cheap and effective
remedy for getting rid of aphis of all sorts. To make doubly sure
of its destruction we should advise you to spray your trees in winter
with the burning alkali wash. This will destroy all insect life it
comes in contact with, without injury to the tree. It should be
applied as soon as the trees are pruned in winter. This wash may
be had of most seed merchants, with directions how to use.
Meaning of Freestone and Clingstone
Q. I often see these terms used in reference to Plums and Peaches.
Can you explain 1— T. 0. A., Uxbridge.
A. The term freestone means that the flesh parts cleanly from
the stone when ripe. In clingstone varieties the opposite is the
case. Old lime rubble or mortar rubbish will do very well to mix
with the soil for fruit trees. Be careful not to over do it, however,
especially if the ground is light.
Gumming in Stone Fruit Trees
Q. Some of my Cherry and Plum trees are not thriving ; the
shoots exude a gummy substance. What can I do to cure them? —
Southerner, Hants.
A. Most of us who possess or have the management of gardens
know something about this disease, so far, at least, as its effect upon
the trees is concerned. No fruit trees subject to it can have a long
or prosperous life. There may be — probably there is — a predisposi-
tion to gumming in certain trees. The Moorpark Apricot is a notable
sufferer, and I suppose, speaking generally, gumming is often
caused by some injury to the branches, or a too free use of the knife.
The fungus spores find a home where the bark is broken, and subse-
quently gum is seen to be exuding from the wound. A tight shred, by
forcing the branch into contact with a nail, may break the bark and
provide a genial home for the fungus. When gum is seen exuding
128 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
from a branch or branches, if the tree is to be restored, cut out
the infected part, and put on a poultice of cow manure, lime, soot,
and clay, filling the wound with it, binding it on with a piece of
cloth, and keeping the air from it until the wound has healed and
filled up with new bark. Trees which are predisposed to gumming
should be pruned chiefly in summer, and the knife as far as possible
kept off them in the winter and spring. There are predisposing
causes in cultivation, the most common being planting young trees
in land which has been made too rich with manures.
Mulching Young Fruit Trees
Q. I have been told that it is a bad plan to manure the ground
for young fruit trees at planting time. Is there any objection to
giving manure afterwards? If not, how should it be applied1? —
Amateur, Watford.
A. Many people adopt the commendable practice of avoiding
the use of any natural manure at all when they are planting their
young trees in autumn or spring, for they fully appreciate the fact
that there is already sufficient tendency to rampant growth without
further encouraging it with stimulative materials. It is, however,
most desirable to do something for the trees in the early summer
which will encourage the roots to remain near the surface, instead
of striking downwards into the cooler lower soil as soon as the
weather becomes intensely hot and dry. To this end the grower
should give as much water as may be necessary to moisten the soil
to a depth of 3 feet or thereabouts, then fork over the surface
and apply a 2-inch mulching of short manure. The food virtues
of this will gradually find their way downwards, and the covering
will tend to keep the surface cool and moist, and thus practically
ensure the roots remaining near the top.
Cordon Gooseberries
Q, I have been recommended to plant cordon Gooseberries
against a fence facing west. Do you advise my doing so 1 — Grant,
Dorking.
A. Cordon Gooseberries fruit well either on north, south, east,
or west fences. In fact, by planting a few on each aspect a welcome
succession of fruit is obtained. Either single or multiple stemmed
cordons may be chosen, the management of the plants does not
present any serious difficulties. Summer pinching of the young
shoots is necessary to admit light to the fruits and the buds on
FRUIT GROWING PROBLEMS
129
the stems, while the winter pruning will simply consist of hard
cutting back to the two basal buds. Keep the surface loose and free
from weeds, and maintain the supplies of available food by mulching
in May with the finest natural manure that is at command.
C SHOWS POINT OF SUMMER AS A RESULT OF STOPPING THE
PRUNING PEAR ; B POINT OF SHOOT FURTHER GROWTHS
WINTER PRUNING. WILL FORM AS AT A. THESE
TOO ARE STOPPED WHEN A
FEW INCHES LONG. PRUNE
BACK TO B IN WINTER.
Unfruitful Strawberries
Q. My Strawberry plants have far too many leaves on them, and
the leaves are too big. Can you give me any idea of the reason for
this ? Many of the plants did not flower, and the others had not
much fruit.— S. A. G., Croydon.
A. Your large, unfruitful plants of Strawberries have probably
been layers taken from others which were unfruitful. Destroy them
and plant fresh runners in August or early September. Strawberry
layers should only be taken from plants that are fruitful.
Raspberries Unsatisfactory
Q. My Raspberry canes (which were planted sixteen years ago)
have borne very little fruit this summer, and the new growths for
j
130 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
next year's crop are also disappointing. Every autumn I have
stirred the surface soil very slightly and then laid on a fairly large
quantity of stable manure. Is it possible that I have given them
too much of this "I — Canes, Haivick.
A. Your Raspberry plants are very old, and the best thing you
can do is to make a new plantation. The medium sized young canes
from your old plantation may be used for the new one, but it would
be more satisfactory to purchase new canes. The old plants may
be retained for one more year until the new ones are remunerative.
In the meantime allow the manure to lie on the surface, and do not
dig it in either this autumn or in spring. The pruning of Rasp-
berries is simple. The fruit is produced on the previous year's
growth ; thus the shoots that have fruited are cut out as soon as
the fruit is gathered. The young growths are, of course, taken care
of and tied up ; they will fruit the next year.
Gathering Pears
Q. Can you give me a few hints on gathering Pears ? — Amateur •,
S. Wales.
A. Test the fruits by gently lifting, when if they part easily
from the trees it may usually be safely taken as a sign of readiness
for gathering, though not for eating. Late sorts should be allowed
to hang as long as possible ; premature gathering of these will
cause them to shrivel and be tough and leathery in texture, devoid
of juiciness and flavour.
The Loganberry
Q. We are thinking of planting the Loganberry here, but as our
soil is very heavy, with yellow clay subsoil, would you inform me if
you think it would do in this soil? — Sutton, Surrey.
A. Yes ; you may plant the Loganberry in the heavy soil ; the
plants will succeed very well. But it is advisable, of course, to
trench the ground, and thoroughly break up the subsoil, leaving it
below, however. The Loganberry grows vigorously in good soil, and
is an admirable plant for covering unsightly fences, ugly corners, etc.,
or it maybe trained as an espalier. It fruits best when the branches
are spread out. The pruning is similar to that needed by the
Raspberry. Cut out the old growths as soon as they have fruited,
and train in the new to fruit the following year. The best fruits are
produced by canes of the previous summer's growth : removing the
old shoots encourages the development of new ones.
FRUIT GROWING PROBLEMS 131
Red Currants Failing
Q. I have sent you a few leaves of my Red Currants, also a small
box of fruit. Would you please tell me how I can prevent their
getting so black 1 The leaves first get in a sticky state and then
turn black just as if soot had been thrown over them. Do you think
smuts from chimneys would cause it 1 We have a brick kiln near. —
</., Bradford.
A. In the first place your Currant tree leaves have been infested
PEAR DURONDEAU.
badly with aphides, and the matter from them has covered the
leaves with a sticky substance which has been favourable to the
collection of dust, and soot from the brick kiln. The only thing you
can do is to syringe the bushes early in the season and free the
foliage from the aphides, and frequently afterwards to dislodge the
dust and soot.
Black Currants Affected with Big Bud
Q. Can you tell me how to cure my Black Currants of this most
troublesome pest ?— Anxious, Esher.
A. Since the trees are young, having been planted only two years,
132 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
it would be rather unwise to uproot them all on account of the big
bud. A better plan is to cut them all hard back now (April). Cut
each infested shoot down to within a few inches of the ground, and
remove by hand any suspiciously large buds as they appear. After
this hard pruning, which at this season will mean the loss of a year's
crop, dust the bushes with a mixture of lime and sulphur, and repeat
the application after an interval of two weeks. Next spring dust
again with lime and sulphur, using 1 part unslaked lime to 2 parts
flowers of sulphur. Thoroughly dust the bushes over when they are
wet, and continue to do so every few weeks until the middle of May.
After pruning carefully collect all the prunings and burn them.
Yes ; it is quite likely that the old bushes will be affected since the
disease is now present in your garden. As a preventive dust the
bushes over with the lime and sulphur mixture and pick off any buds
unduly swollen. If you intend to propagate new plants from cut-
tings be sure to do so from a clean stock.
Gathering and Storing Filberts
Q. Please say how Filbert Nuts should be stored.—^. W. W.,
Kent.
A. The Nuts should be obtained on a fine dry day, not separating
them from the husks. We have found it a good plan to lay them
out on mats and sacks for a few days ; they are then readily picked
up and carried to shelter at night or should rain set in. Afterwards,
they may be stored in jars or boxes, or be spread out evenly and
thinly upon the floor of a cool, dry shed.
Keeping Medlars
Q. Will you tell me the best way to keep and ripen Medlars 1—
J. Astridge, Hants.
A. Gather the fruits before they are frozen on the trees, and
store them on shelves in a cool, airy room where they will soften and
become fit for use. You only need guard against damp and decay of
the fruits.
Replanting Raspberries
Q. I have a large stock of canes which have been allowed to run
riot. They have grown over 8 feet high, and though there is every
indication of a good supply of fruit we have not been able to get a
handful from the complete row of over 80 feet run. I thought of
transplanting them this year to a new situation and of making them
FRUIT GROWING PROBLEMS 133
form a screen round a plot which I propose to make into a fruit
garden. Do you recommend this, and how can I proceed so as to
make them form such a screen ? —T. E., Mitcham.
A . Yes ; the Raspberries would do well planted to form a screen
round the fruit quarter in the garden. The planting should be done
in November. Select canes of medium strength and discard the
gross and weakly ones. Dig the soil deeply and put in some rotted
manure, and after planting is done put on a good surface mulch of
littery manure. The canes should be planted about 9 inches apart.
Black Currants do best in a cool position ; the Red and White
varieties require an open, sunny place.
How to Keep Walnuts
Q. Would you kindly inform me as to the best way to keep Wal-
nuts when they are ripe, so as to have them good for some length of
time 1 — A. S., Surrey.
A. When the Nuts are ripe, spread them out thinly just long
enough to get the shells dry, then place them in bottles or jars, and
securely cork the latter. Store the bottles or jars in a cool, dry cup-
board.
Q. Referring to the above question. As we have rather a large
quantity this season, would tins such as biscuit tins answer the pur-
pose if they were fastened down securely ? We put some in a large
pot with a piece of thick tin for a cover and buried them in the earth
floor of the potting shed, but they did not keep. Was it because
they were too damp or not sufficiently airtight? — A. Scrivener,
Bucks.
A. Yes ; if you can seal up the biscuit tins the Nuts may be kept
in them. The Nuts, buried in the earth as you state, would rot, un-
less they had been first dried and then kept in airtight vessels.
Blackberries for the Garden
Q. I am anxious to grow Blackberries. Should I plant the com-
mon kind, or are there better sorts'!— Ignoramus, Bath.
A. So widely are excellent Blackberries appreciated that one can-
not help feeling surprised that they are not far more extensively
planted in gardens. They do not involve either a great deal of
space or a considerable amount of skilled attention, and the crops of
fruit which they bear annually will be more than welcome. I should
advise planters to beware of the majority of American varieties, for
some of the seedlings of our own country are superior in every
134 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
respect. A really good form of the Parsley Leaved Bramble cannot
be beaten, but apart from this selected wildings are the things to
choose. Planted in deeply dug and generously manured ground in
November, watered with liquid manure freely after perfect establish-
ment, and mulched with good manure each winter, they will thrive
and crop grandly for years. Practically the only attention demanded
in the way of cutting is to remove all old shoots for which there is
not room after the fruit is gathered.
Morello Cherry
Q. Is this a profitable fruit to grow on walls 1 — E. W., Hendon.
A . The Morello Cherry is valuable for covering the walls of cottages,
on which it hardly ever fails to produce good crops. It will thrive
on a wall facing north. The fruits sell well, as they come in after
the glut of other fruit is over. This Cherry grows and produces well
on any aspect, and the simplest kind of training suits it best. Plant
healthy, fan-trained trees, and let them spread out evenly in all
directions. Keep them clean during the growing season by dusting
with tobacco powder or syringing with tobacco water, dipping
the points of the young shoots into the mixture. Cover with nets to
keep off birds, so as to let the fruits get fully ripe. In winter cut out
weakly and exhausted fruit, and nail in the young shoots of the pre-
ceding summer's growth full length, as the Morello bears the finest
fruit on the young wood.
Pruning Roots of Pear Trees
Q. I should like your advice about two Pear trees which I have.
They are wall trees facing west and south-west, very vigorous, and
plenty of bloom every year and set fruits, but when these get about
the size of Peas they fall off. Every year this happens I get no
fruit. This has been going on for nine years. They always bloom
the second time each season, and seeing your article on root pruning
1 thought I would try the operation. I took out a trench 2 feet
deep, about 3 feet away from the stem, half way round the tree, but
could not find any roots to prune ; the roots seem to strike down
into the subsoil close to the wall. I could not find any short fibrous
roots near the surface at all. If you could advise me on the subject
I should feel grateful.— 8. C\, Devonport.
A. We are rather surprised you did not find any roots after dig-
ging 2 feet deep at 3 feet from the stem of a tree nine years old-
Possibly they have gone under the wall to the other side. If you
FRUIT GROWING PROBLEMS 135
can get at the other side, try to find them there. If this cannot be
done, the next best thing to do is to open out the trench again, dig-
ging it 1 foot deeper and clearing all the soil out. You must then
tunnel under the tree until you come to the main tap roots, which
you will find not far from a direct line of the stem of the tree. Cut
them through and leave in the ground. Fill in the space tunnelled,
ramming the soil hard, and we hope the effect will be to bring your
trees round to fruit bearing condition.
Standard Fruit Trees for Sandy Soil
Q. I have a small space in my garden in which I wish to put
standard fruit trees ; the soil is pure sand. I have had holes 5 feet
square and 3 feet deep dug, into which I intend putting soil and
manure. It is on the north slope of the hill. I have room for seven-
teen trees 9 feet apart, and would be very glad if you could advise
me what trees I ought to have. I thought of having Apples, Pears,
Plums, and Cherries if I could get them suitable for the ground. I
want them all for dessert fruit, not cooking, if possible. — Spindrift,
Farnham.
A. The following varieties of the different kinds of fruit you
require we hope will suit you well. They are strong growing, fruit-
ful sorts. Six Apples, all dessert : Mr. Gladstone, ripe July and
August ; Lady Sudeley, September; James Grieve, October1; Cox's
Orange Pippin, November to Christmas; Allington Pippin,
December and January ; Allen's Everlasting, January to
March. Four Pears, all dessert : Williams' Bon Chretien, Septem-
ber ; Louise Bonne of Jersey, October ; Emile d'Heyst, November ;
Doyenne du Cornice, December. Four Plums: Reine Claude de
Bavay (Gage), Old Green Gage, Kirk's, Transparent Gage. Three
Cherries : Kentish Bigarreau, Guigne d'Annonay, Governor Wood.
Cherry for West Fence
Q. Which is a good eating Cherry to grow on tarred boards,
aspect west, soil gravel and clay1? — G. E., Sussex.
A. Frogmore Bigarreau, light, and Black Tartarian, dark, are
suitable sorts.
Three Late Keeping Apples
Q. Which three late keeping Apples are most suitable for an
orchard as standards, soil gravel and clay 1 — G. J£., Sussex.
A. Newton Wonder, Bramley's Seedling, and King Edward VII.
136 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Manure for Strawberries
Q. I have been advised to dress Strawberry beds heavily with
stable manure. This I have not, but have a good quantity of
fowl manure. Would this do as well if used in smaller quantities 1
— /. JT., Devon.
A. Littery manure is put on as a mulch to protect the roots as
well as to feed the plants. Fowl manure would not answer the
purpose as well, though you may apply it at the rate of 1 bushel
per square rod of ground in spring. It would feed the plants,
but not protect them much.
Cuttings of Gooseberries and Red and White Currants
Q. I understand Gooseberries and Currants are readily increased
from cuttings. Will you me tell how to prepare these 1 — Amateur,
Berks.
A. Cuttings are made in October from the past summer's growth.
Like Rose cuttings, they should be about 12 inches in length, but it
is essential to cut out all the buds with the exception of about four
of the uppermost, from which the bush is produced. Were the others
left they would be a constant source of annoyance from the suckers
they would certainly produce. Insert the cuttings similarly to those of
Roses. In making Black Currant cuttings the lower buds are not
cut out.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS
Nectarines Shrivelling
Q. I enclose herewith a Nectarine. Will you tell me the cause
of its shrivelling and, in many cases, the cause of the non- stoning of
the fruit 1 The tree is well established in an unheated leanto Peach
house. Also, what should be the night temperature of the house
after the blossoms have set 1 — Ignorant, Hampshire.
A. The Nectarines have been mildewed when they were in a
green state, and it is the cause of the fruit's decay now. The soil is
deficient in lime, and in consequence the fruit did not stone properly.
After the fruits have set, a night temperature of 60° will be suffi-
cient.
Peaches Stringy
Q. Could you tell me the cause of Peaches getting stringy towards
the stone 1— C. />., Cheshire.
FRUIT GROWING PROBLEMS
137
A. We think that this is a question of the varieties of Peaches
you may happen to grow, as the Clingstone varieties often have
this failing. You say that your trees are very healthy, and the fruits
very fine, therefore the stringiness cannot be the fault of the cultural
treatment.
Fertilising Melon Flowers
Q. I understand that the female flowers of Melons have to be
fertilised ; could you tell me how to tell the female flowers and how
to fertilise them 1—G. V. W., Cheshire.
GROWTH OF MELON SHOWING
MALE OR POLLEN FLOWER.
MELON SHOOT SHOWING
FEMALE FLOWER. NOTE
THE EMBRYO FRUIT AT A.
A. You will readily recognise the female flowers of the Melon
by the embryo fruit at the base, and by the absence of anthers (bear-
ing pollen), while the male flowers bear anthers only, no stigma. To
fertilise the female blossoms, pluck a male flower and apply the
pollen from the anthers to the stigma of the former. The best time
to do this is about midday. The atmosphere is then likely to be
dry ; a dry air is necessary to fertilisation. In wet, dull weather
Melon fruits often fail to " set " or form.
Pears and Plums under Glass
Q. I have a Peach house, facing south, with a high wall, and I
should like to grow some Cordon Pears and Plums on the back, as
it is not a very good district for growing fruit outside. If you think
it is a suitable position, I should be glad if you would name a few
varieties.— W. W., Walsall.
138 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
A. Yes; you may grow Cordon Pears and Plum trees on the
back wall of your Peach house successfully, if you do not force them
too hard. Marie Louise Marie Louise d'Uccle, Souvenir du Congres,
Durondeau, Pitmaston Duchess, Doyenne du Cornice, Louise P.onne
of Jersey, and Williams' Bon Chretien, Pears ; and Denniston's
Superb, Green Gage, Jefferson, Kirke's, and Transparent Gage Plums
may be planted. It is impossible to force Plums and Pears as
Grapes, Peaches and Nectarines may be forced. They will not
succeed in a high temperature. Until the fruits are formed an
average temperature of 50° is high enough, afterwards it may be
increased to 60°.
MALE AND FEMALE FLOWERS OF THE MELON. THE LATTER
ARE EASILY DISTINGUISHED BY THE EMBRYO FRUIT
BELOW THE PETALS. THE THIRD FIGURE SHOWS HOW POLLI-
NATION IS CARRIED OUT.
Cherries and Tomatoes Grown in Same House
Q. Can Cherries be forced profitably so as to get the house
cleared by the end of May ? to be followed by Tomatoes that have
been brought on in 5-inch pots in another house. — G. W. T., Stajfs.
A. Cherries in pots can be successfully forced to produce Cherries
from the first to the last week in May. The plants should be brought
under glass the first week in December ; started in low temperature
(40°), and forced very slowly without exciting the trees until the fruit
is set, when more heat, up to 60°, may be applied. Governor Wood,
Early Rivers, Frogmore P>igarreau, and Black Tartarian are suitable
sorts.
FRUIT GROWING PROBLEMS 139
Nectarines Splitting
Q. Can you say why ray Nectarines grown under glass have split
badly 1—G. E. H., Worcester.
A. The cause of the Nectarines splitting is insufficient ventila-
tion during hot weather. Temperatures under glass rise in conse-
quence, causing so great an acceleration in the flow of sap as partly
to congest the arteries through which it flows. Hence an overflow,
and the consequent splitting of the fruit. Remedy : Reduce the
temperature by free ventilation night and day whilst the hot
weather lasts. You may safely let the temperature drop to 50° Fah.
or lower at night ; in the middle of the day, with sun heat and plenty
of air in the house, it may rise to 89° or 85° for a few hours.
On Growing Cucumbers
Q. I am anxious to be able to gather Cucumbers in April. Will
they need a hotbed, and when should I sow the seed ? — E. J. A'.,
Enjield.
A. First get together suitable material for filling the pits. The
best material for keeping up a steady heat is that composed of
freshly gathered up leaves and short stable manure mixed well
together and turned several times in an open shed, previous to
filling the Cucumber pit. Sowing the seed in small pots early
in January is the plan usually adopted, as this ensures no check
in potting on. Use soil fairly damp and plunge in the hotbed,
giving no water until germination takes place. When the third
true leaf appears they may be planted out into mounds of rich soil.
Syringe the plants frequently with tepid water, and see that a con-
stant and sufficient heat is maintained. A night temperature of
60°-65° is best, rising 10° during the day without sun heat. Keep
free from draughts. Cucumbers require a warm atmosphere with
little ventilation.
CHAPTER X
Trees and Shrubs
Self Clinging Climbers
Q. Will you please give me a list of self clinging climbers, other
than Ivy, suitable for a cement wall facing south ?— S. H. P., Belfast.
A. The following are suitable : Hydrangea petiolaris, Vitis semi-
cordata, and of course Ampelopsis Veitchi. The choice of self
clinging climbers, excluding Ivy, is very limited, but these three are
good growers and thrive in most places.
Planting Bed of Flowering Shrubs
Q. I enclose a rough sketch of bed 24 feet long, 12 feet wide,
with wall 3 feet high at back facing east, well sheltered by house
and buildings. Will you advise the best flowering shrubs and bush
Roses to grow for garden decoration intermixed with hardy annuals,
and, finally, bedding out plants 1 I wish to make a tennis lawn on
south-west side of wall, but I want to hide it from the other part
of the garden without having the shrubs too high and cumbersome.
Will you also advise how to plant? I should like bush Hoses of
the Sweet Briar class, but do not wish to confine myself to that
class alone. — Beginner, Blandford.
A. Taking the part of the house nearest the bed, we should plant
the following shrubs and Roses, which would occupy a width say of
about 6 feet. Commencing near the Bay tree, plant Genista andre-
anus, Rose Aglaia, Philadelphus grandiflorus, Veronica Traversii,
Lilac Madame Lemoine, Spartium junceum, Rose Hiawatha
on stump or pole. Then, starting 3 feet away from these plants,
Rose Blush Rambler, standard Pyrus Malus floribunda, Hybrid
Sweet Briar Lady Penzance, Buddleia veitchiana, Hybrid Sweet
Briar Anne of Geierstein, standard double flowering Cherry Jas. H.
Veitch, Forsythia suspensa, Rose Rubin. Towards the outer side of
bed, starting near Rose Blush Rambler, plant Weigela E. Rathke,
Rose Goldfinch, Rose Conrad F. Meyer Spiraea A. Waterer, Rose,
Tausendschon, Guelder Rose, Hybrid Sweet Briar, Amy Robsart,
Rose Gruss an Teplitz, Rose Leuchtstern, Pyrus Malus angustifolia.
140
TEEES AND SHRUBS 141
Should you want a few slow growing subjects to finish off with
plant Yucca flaccida, double flowering Gorse, Fuchsia Riecartoni.
Caryopteris Mastacanthus, and Hibiscus Lotus albus. Allow the
Roses to grow as free bushes, and do not crowd any of the plants,
rather leave some out altogether. One cannot quite definitely say
how to arrange unless one is on the spot, but this is a general idea.
Evergreen Shrubs to Grow Beneath Austrian Pine
Q. Can you tell me if there is any evergreen shrub that will
thrive beneath an Austrian Pine ? — E. H. T., Southampton.
A. The best evergreen shrubs to grow beneath Austrian Pines
are Rhododendron ponticum, Aucuba japonica, Berberis Aquifo-
lium, Periwinkle, St. John's Wort (Hypericum calycinum), and
common Ivy. The Pine leaves are detrimental to many shrubs,
but the above plants succeed fairly well, more especially when the
leafage is not very dense.
Shrubs and Plants for Border Facing North
Q. Please give a list of shrubs and plants suitable for north
border. — M. 8. S., Hazlemere.
A. Aucuba, Laurustinus, Euonymus, Lilac (Syringa), Laurel,
Deutzia, Spiraea (S. aruncus being very suitable), Campanula,
Anemone, Sunflower, Veronica, Michaelmas Daisies, Gaillardia,
Delphinium, herbaceous Phloxes and Funkia, tuberous Begonia,
Fuchsia, Phlox Drummondii, Mignonette, Stocks, Asters, Marigolds,
and Marguerites are suitable.
Plants to form Strong Fence
Q. I am about to put a fence around a plot of ground intended
for garden, and I thought of planting a Myrobalan Plum for a quick
growing and an almost impregnable fence. Should be glad if you will
give your opinion on the following : Would it be wise to mix the
Myrobalan Plum with Privet or not ? Would it add to beautifying
the place if fronting the road was planted with say Hornbeam or
Hornbeam and Privet mixed, or same as above? Do you advise
Holly for the front, say bushes about 2£ feet in height? — W. M.,
Lynn.
A. Myrobella Plum and Privet would form a very good fence or
hedge. Put in three plants of the former and then one of the latter.
Yes ; Holly would do splendidly for a front fence. Put in the plants
zigzag fashion and about 15 inches apart from plant to plant.
142 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Pruning Deutzia
Q. This flowering shrub has been very beautiful in my garden, but
I am at a loss as to how to prune it. Please advise.— 7^. A. M.}
King's Lynn.
A. All that is necessary is to thin out to the base feeble and
weak growths where they are crowded, and to leave the plant in such
a condition that it appears shapely. This may be done as soon as it
has finished flowering. If you cut it hard down, as you propose
doing, it would simply give rise to an abundance of young and use-
less growth.
On Planting Trees
Q. I should be glad of your advice as to the proper method
of planting trees. Which is the best Pine to plant to form a screen ?
— Midland.
A. Since the soil is a tenacious clay and presumably not well
drained, the stations in which the trees are to be planted should be
dug out to a depth of 2^ or 3 feet ; the width of the stations should
be in proportion to the trees or shrubs to be planted ; in your soil
they cannot be too large. Place broken bricks at the bottom, and
follow with lime rubble and rough turf. Plant the trees to their
previous depth, and carefully spread out all the roots before covering
in the soil. If possible, some good, coarse, turfy loam should be in-
troduced with the garden soil at the time of planting, but the soil
which immediately covers the roots should be tine. One of the best
Pines to form a screen is the Corsican Pine, Pinus Laricio ; it is of
rapid growth, and rabbits and hares are said not to interfere with it.
In planting Pines and Lombardy Poplars to form a screen they
should be placed rather closely together, so that the alternate trees
may be removed after a year or two. The distance apart depends
entirely upon the size of the trees at the time they leave the nursery-
man's hands. In addition to the Lombardy Poplar and the Corsican
Pine, the following are suitable to form a screen or wind break :
Hornbeam, Larch, Austrian Pine, and Douglas Spruce.
When to Transplant Shrubs
Q. Please tell me the best time to transplant the shrubs
mentioned. — H. W. K., Catford.
A. Rhododendrons and Azaleas can be transplanted with safety
in early April, and we should advise you to defer the operation until
that season. The Mock Orange, Berberis, and Clerodendron may all
TREES AND SHRUBS 143
be removed in October. Transplanting will not delay the time of
flowering of your strong growing Clerodendron trichotomnm ; it is
more likely to induce it to flower. Lilies may be lifted in October
and stored in dry silver sand for the winter in a frostproof shed.
Planting Ampelopsis
Q. I should be much obliged if you could tell me the best time
to plant Ampelopsis Veitchi and any special cultural hints.— A. E. B.,
Watford.
A. The best time to plant is in early November or late October,
although planting may be carried out between October and the end
of March when the weather is mild. This plant is of the simplest
cultivation, and all you have to do is to attach the shoots to the wall
to give it a start.
Hedge Round Garden
Q. I am thinking of planting a hedge round my cottage garden, I
want one that will grow strong and quickly. I thought perhaps
Privet would be most suitable. — C. G. B., Banngstoke.
A. You would probably find Privet the best plant for your pur-
pose. It will make a good hedge sooner than anything else. Make
sure you get the oval-leaved Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium). Horn-
beam makes a good hedge and is fairly quick growing, while Quick
or Thorn has much to recommend it.
About Clematis, Quick Growing Plant, and Low Hedge
Q. What quick growing plant would you recommend for hiding
cottage bedroom windows overlooking vegetable garden ? What
would make a nice low hedge in front of drawing room and facing
drive gate? Last spring we planted two Clematises, Jackmani
superba and Gipsy Queen, to trail on pillars of verandah in drive.
The former grew quickly to about 7 feet and ready to blossom, when
suddenly it began to droop and died downwards.— Mrs. Adams,
Bucks.
A. Clematis plants thrive best in a naturally dry situation, and
in a fairly light soil. The plants do sometimes die down suddenly,
owing to some check. The young shoots may grow up and prove
successful. Ceanothus azureus Gloire de Versailles bears long spikes
of lavender blue flowers from midsummer to late autumn. It would
be a charming substitute. Cupressus macrocarpa would quickly
grow and form a screen ; and the oval-leaved Privet or Euonymus
U± GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
or Daisy Bush, Olearia Haasti, would prove satisfactory as a low
hedge.
Pruning Clematis montana
Q. The house that I have leased has a very old Clematis montana
growing over porch in front. When I first saw the house this was a
mass of white bloorn, but underneath the bloom was a thick mass of
dead wood, which I thought most objectionable. When doing up
the house all this had to be cut away, now the front of the house is
covered with long trails. I am told there will be no blossom next
year if I trim these long trails, but I cannot have them hanging all
over the place, yet I should like to have the blossom. — M. de A'.,
Bournemouth.
A. C. montana requires quite different treatment from C. Jack-
mani, as the former flowers next year on the growths made this
year. If you wish for flowers next year you must leave this year's
young growths. Cut back the plant each year as soon as the flowers
are over. C. Jackmani is in flower now (August) on the growths
made this spring and early summer.
Pruning Ivy
Q. Please tell me how to proceed when pruning Ivy on wall.
When should I prune?— E. M. If., AsJibourne.
A. The specimen you send is one of the large-leaved Ivies, called
Hedera Helix Amurensis. You may prune it in March, and it can
be cut back fairly hard so as to get it back to the wall. Subsequent
primings may take place twice a year, spring and summer, to keep
it within bounds, the spring pruning being severe and the second or
summer pruning in July light. In the former case it may be cut
well back to the wall, whilst in the latter case the long, loose shoots
only should be shortened. It is usually advisable to use a knife
instead of shears for the large leaved Ivies, for if leaves are mutilated
they are very unsightly.
Evergreens for Hedge
Q. Can you advise as to planting an evergreen shrub for a
division line position, north side of house shaded by an Ash tree,
height to be kept to 2 feet? Would Butcher's Broom (Ruscus
aculeatus) be suitable 1 if so, would it be too late to plant now
(November) 1 and what distance apart should you plant to form a
continuous row ! I want to keep clear of Privet. — F. M., Leicester.
A. The plant you suggest, Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus),
146 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
will be suitable for the position you mention. The distance apart
to place the plants will depend entirely on their size, but from 9 to
12 inches would be a suitable distance for average sized plants.
Other useful shrubs for such a position are Gaultheria Shallon and
Berberis (Mahonia) Aquifolium. The latter is an easily obtained
plant, does very well in shade, arid stands cutting back well.
November is a good month for planting.
Transplanting a Holly 12 feet High
Q. Might I safely undertake the transplantation of a Holly
12 feet high ? If so, when should the work be done 1—M. J/., Htrts.
A. It is quite possible safely to transplant a Holly 12 feet high,
but it must be done carefully. The work should be done either in
September or early May. You will need to move a large ball of
earth with it, especially if it is a very old specimen. Two men will
be required to get the plant ready to transplant — that is to work
round the ball and tie it up tightly in stout canvas, undermine it,
and place two pieces of plank beneath the centre— and prepare the
new position. If it is only to be moved a short distance a trench
can be made from one hole to the other, and four or five men will
be able to do the work by means of planks and rollers. If, however,
it has to be moved some distance it will have to be rolled out of the
hole by means of an inclined plane and rolled into the new one by
the same means ; this would require eight to ten men, according to
the size of the ball.
Evergreen Shrubs for Garden
Q. Please name shrubs that will keep green all the winter, say,
for ordinary soil near house. What shrubs can you recommend for
planting soon (October) ? — E. /S., Eeckenkam.
A. The following shrubs would do well with you, and keep green
all the winter. Aucuba japonica, Berberis stenophylla, B. (Mahonia)
Aquifolium, Tree Ivies, Rhododendron ponticum and any of the
garden varieties, variegated Box, Olearia Haastii, and Laurustinus.
The latter may be damaged if a very severe winter is experi-
enced, but it usually grows again from the bottom. All may be
planted at once. The two best for a shady place are Aucuba japon-
ica and Berberis Aquifolium. Any ordinary garden soil is suitable
for these shrubs except the Rhododendrons. These can only be
grown in places where lime is not found in any great quantity,
although they do not need peat as commonly supposed.
148 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Sowing Seeds of and Pruning Forest Trees
Q. Please give me information about the sowing of seeds of
Larch, Oak, Ash, Beech, the time to collect the seeds, and the time
to prune Ash, Oak, and Beech.— IF. J. B., Norfolk.
A. Larch, Oak, and Beech seeds may be collected in early
October. Ash should be collected in August. Oak and Beec^ ought
to be sown in October in nursery beds 4 feet wide. If you are
troubled by mice, roll the seeds in red lead before sowing. Larch
seeds may be either sown in October or kept until spring. If kept
until the latter time store in a cool room. As Oaks lose their
vitality very quickly if allowed to become dry, store them in damp
sand if you are unable to sow when gathered. Ash seeds may be
sown as soon as collected. Oak, Beech, and Ash trees may be
pruned any time between the beginning of June and end of Decem-
ber, but not during the spring and late winter months. If the trees
are planted under proper forest conditions they ought to require no
other pruning than the snipping off of a rival leader, for, by close
planting, the trunks clean themselves. If you are going to prune
large trees, be careful to make the cuts well up to the trunk and
tar the wounds over as soon as made.
Raising a Stock of Evergreens
Q. I should be glad if you wou Id tell me how I can raise a stock
of evergreen plants for shrubbery planting. — E. T. H., Willesden.
A. October is probably the best month of the year for the
propagation of hardy evergreen shrubs by means of cuttings. Pro-
tection is unnecessary, yet a frame is very useful when choice
varieties have to be dealt with, as they root more readily with
this assistance. Choose pieces from 6 inches to 1 foot in length
and remove the lower leaves. A north border that is slightly
protected is the best position for them, and they should be inserted
to about two thirds their length, placing a little sand in the bottom
of the trench to assist root formation. Make quite firm, and if
after severe frost any are lifted they should be trodden down
immediately ; the lifting power that frost possesses is remarkable.
Rough winds will also cause damage if the cuttings are not kept
firm. Where a frame is used this precaution is to a certain extent
unnecessary, but it is well to look over them after a spell of hard
frost. Among the shrubs which may be propagated thus are
common Laurel, Aucuba, Privet, Box, Choisya ternata (in the
south), Euonymus, etc.
CHAPTER XI
Home Grown Vegetables
Storing Carrots and Turnips
Q. Please instruct me how to store Carrots and Turnips properly.
I have lost many through improper storage. — A. 8. T., Edinburgh.
A. On the approach of severe weather, that is generally during
October, the Carrots should be very carefully lifted, some of the
superabundant earth removed, the tops neatly cut off, and the roots
stored in sacks with the heads outwards, filling in the crevices and
covering with sand. They may also be stored in clamps out of
doors in the manner often practised with Potatoes. Or they may be
stored in a frostproof shed in layers with straw between each layer.
The Turnips would be better used as they are lifted, but they
may be kept for a time, in the manner advised for Carrots, in a
frostproof shed.
On Growing Cardoons 1
Q. I should be glad of some help in the matter of growing the
Cardoon, a vegetable I am fond of, but which is greatly neglected.
— -i/. U., Monmouth.
A. We do not recommend you to try to propagate the Cardoon
from the shoots sent up from the roots, as it is so readily raised from
seed sown after the winter has passed. Seed should be sown in the
places where the plants are to be grown. Sow the seed in little
bunches about 18 inches apart in rows 4 feet apart. The plants can
then be thinned to one at each station, and in due time secured
to stakes. Blanching should take place when full growth is attained,
i.e. during August. It takes about two months to blanch properly.
If you wish to save time you could sow seed under glass in May and,
after planting out, adopt the French method of covering each plant
with straw thatched from the bottom to the top around each plant.
A small ridge of soil is drawn to the foot, and blanching is perfected
in about a month. The Cardoon does not meet with the favour in
Britain with which it is regarded on the Continent, where the stalks
and midribs of the inner leaves are esteemed in soups and salads.
149
150 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Clubbing among Vegetables, Application of Lime
Q. Cabbages and other vegetables of the Brassica family are
badly attacked by club. I thought of applying lime to the soil to
improve matters. Is this right ? if so, how much should I apply?—
H. A. I?., Newport.
A. You are certainly contemplating the right thing, for nothing
will tend to check the ravages of this widespread disease more than
lime. Scatter freshly slaked lime all over the surface of the soil in
October or November. On a large scale it may be used with good
effect from 5 to 7 tons per acre. The lime should be dug into the
ground after the lapse of two or three days. Do not apply the lime
so near to the fruit trees that it is brought in direct contact with the
roots when digging in.
Young Marrows Failing to Develop
Q. Can you tell me why Vegetable Marrows, when 1 inch or
2 inches long, refuse to grow any bigger and are worthless ? —
E. W. M., Chester.
A. The reason for the young Marrows turning yellow and
damping off when about 1 inch or 2 inches in length is their not
being fertilised. The Marrow plant produces two kinds of flowers
—the female which bears the Marrow fruit, and the male which
pollinates the female. If the female flowers are not pollinated, they
are in consequence unfertilised and therefore undeveloped. As a
rule bees are responsible for the pollination of Marrow flowers ;
in order that bees and other insects should perform this work it
is very necessary that the male flowers should not be removed, for
it sometimes happens that the male flowers are picked off under
the wrong impression that they are false blooms and of no use to
the plant. The very damp and much colder weather which we
have had may also have a good deal to do with the Marrows failing
to set their fruits.
Club Disease in Cabbages
Q. Please tell me what causes these knotted lumps on Cabbages.
My crop is badly attacked by this disease. The leaves are much
eaten by caterpillars. — W. 8. T., Malvern.
A. The plants are affected by club disease and attacked by the
grubs of the Cabbage butterfly at the same time. As soon as you
can manage to do it the allotment should be given a heavy dressing
of lime, for this is the best known agent to ward off the club root
HOME GROWN VEGETABLES 151
disease of Cabbages, Turnips, and similar crops. It would be as
well to grow Potatoes, Onions, or other crops, and to give all the
Brassicas a change, since they are so liable to be attacked on your
soil. It is quite possible that the plants were attacked at the
time of planting out. They should be examined at planting time,
and if affected the roots should be puddled in a mixture of paraffin,
soft soap, and soot water.
Liming Ground for Potatoes
Q. Please assist me in the following. I have a plot of garden
ground (26 poles), to which I intend giving lime. The soil is medium
stiff. What quantity would you advise me to give it ? The best
time to put on, now (autumn) or spring] Whether to dig or fork
it in? I am to crop it with Potatoes again. — Constant Reader,
Montrose.
A. Deeply dig your plot, leaving the soil rough on the surface.
Then apply 2 pecks of slaked lime (in powder form) per rod of
ground. Scatter the powdered lime evenly on the surface, and let it
remain so for a few weeks, then fork it in.
Asparagus
Q. Can I water Asparagus beds with sea water, and frequently or
otherwise 1— R. /?., /. of W.
A. Seaweed in moderation is a good manure to use in the making
of new Asparagus beds, but we have never known or heard of beds
being watered with sea water. Unless very greatly diluted, the
result of using it, we think, would be disastrous to the Asparagus
plants. Asparagus plants thrive best when kept on the dry side
during winter, and should be watered only in spring and early sum-
mer when growing fast, and again at the end of summer to help the
grass plump up good crowns for next year's bearing. Liquid manure
from a farmyard is best ; in the absence of this an occasional light
dressing of Peruvian guano is the next best, washing it in with a
copious application of clean water.
Saving Seed of Onions
Q. I have some good Onions, grown from a prize strain, and wish
to save seed. Kindly advise.— Grower, Chertsey.
A. Only bulbs of uniform shape and large size, according to the
variety, should be selected for seed production. It is found in prac-
tice that new forms quickly deteriorate if selection is not rigidly
152 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
carried out. February is the best time to plant the bulbs out, and a
sheltered position in a rich soil should be chosen for them. So long
as the soil is in a rich and fertile condition you need not add any
more manure. Care should be taken to tie up the flower stalks,
each to a stake, as soon as support is needed. The time to harvest
depends upon the condition of the seed vessels ; thus, as soon as they
begin to turn brown and to burst open, the heads should be cut off
and dried in the sun. Afterwards place them in paper bags and
suspend them from the roof of a cool and dry shed. The seed is
readily cleaned, and may be kept for a season or two, but it cannot
be depended upon afterwards.
Forcing Rhubarb
Q. Will you please tell me how to proceed to force Rhubarb?
— M. K., Dartford.
A. Rhubarb is one of the easiest of vegetables to force, and any
structure having a temperature ranging from 55° to 60° may be
used for the purpose ; or the roots may be covered in the open
air with boxes 2 feet in height, having lids, and sufficiently wide
to accommodate the crowns. Rhubarb pots, too, are often used.
They may be bought at any pottery, and with care will last for
years. The easiest method of forcing Rhubarb is to lift some strong
roots and plant them in large pots or boxes, and place them under
glass ; or the roots may be set moderately close together upon
the ground, and covered with soil 2 inches above the crowns. Then
give them a thorough soaking with water, to settle the soil among
the roots. Afterwards, too, when in active growth, they must be
well supplied with water, or the stems will be tough and stringy
Any structure will suit Rhubarb, provided it has a warm, moist
temperature. A forcing pit heated with hot water is, however,
the best place for it where required in large quantities and of the
very best quality. When forced in the open garden underneath
pots or boxes, a heap of warm manure must be placed round each
box. Where not forced, some long litter placed over the crowns
early in spring will encourage early growth, when a few dishes
may be had before the general crop comes into use.
Useful Winter Vegetables
Q. Could you give a list of useful winter vegetables with concise
cultural directions 1—Amery, Leeds.
A. From a May sowing on a piece of good ground, and treated
HOME GROWN VEGETABLES 153
like Carrots, splendid roots nearly 18 inches long of Salsafy or
Oyster Plant may be had by November. When properly cooked
and served they form a really excellent dish. Scorzonera requires
identical treatment, and where one is appreciated the other is sure
to be welcome. Good Turnips are often at a premium late in the
year, and Kohl Rabi makes a very good substitute. Sown in drills
in April, 15 inches apart and thinned out to 1 foot in the rows,
good roots will be available for winter use ; the purple variety is
best for winter. They require more cooking than Turnips. While
every gardener is familiar with the ordinary Purple Sprouting variety
which proves so valuable in early spring, the merit of Christmas
Sprouting Broccoli for providing a dish at midwinter is sadly over-
looked. Plants from an early April sowing grow nearly 4 feet
across, and give an abundance of good sprouts to be cooked like
Asparagus during the festive season. It is more dwarf and compact
growing than the ordinary variety, and stands severe frosts with
impunity. Green Sprouting Broccoli is a great acquisition to the
winter vegetables. The young shoots are produced in great abund-
ance, and if picked while young make a delicious vegetable, even
to those who often rate Winter Greens unpalatable. Stewed Celery
is well known, in fact, owing to the great demand for it, many
gardeners wish it were not so ; it is a trifle disheartening to get
up nearly a dozen of one's best sticks, only to find later more
than half the stick has been thrown away. In such cases it will
be as well to try to introduce Celeriac, the roots of which make
a valuable winter vegetable, and do not require nearly so much
time spent upon them during the summer as Celery does.
Black Scab in Potatoes
Q. My Potatoes are attacked by the black scab disease. Can it
be cured 1—E. 0. H., Hants.
A. The disease may be introduced with the seeds or sets, or it
may be present in the soil from a diseased crop. If scabbed
Potatoes are used for seed without having been sterilised, the result-
ing crop will almost certainly be diseased, and in addition the fungus
will pass into the soil, where it is capable of living for several years.
But scabbed Potatoes may be used for seed without the slightest
danger of spreading the disease if they are immersed for two hours
in a solution of £ pint of commercial formalin (formaldehyde 40 per
cent.) mixed with 18 gallons of water. The Potatoes are then spread
out to dry, when they may be cut and planted in the usual manner-
154 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
Care must be taken after the Potatoes have been treated with the
formalin solution that they are not used for food, and they should
not be placed in sacks or hampers that have contained scabbed
Potatoes. Land that has produced scabbed Potatoes should not be
planted with Potatoes for several years afterwards. Beet, Swedes,
Carrots, and Cabbages are also affected by the fungus ; cereals may
be sown with safety on infected land. In the case of gardens and
small allotments, where, of necessity, Potatoes are grown every year,
the trenches in which the Potatoes are planted should be sprinkled
with flowers of sulphur, this being done by means of a bellows
apparatus. As you require 45 bushels of Potatoes for table use, you
would need to plant j acre, the produce of 1 acre of late Potatoes
being about 6 tons, and 45 bushels equals 22^ cwt, so that some
margin will be left in excess to account for small or otherwise
unusable tubers. It certainly pays allotment holders to grow their
own Potatoes with land at Is. per rod, £8 per acre, also many private
and public establishments ; your cost of labour, however, is high, 24s.
per week, and that may make just all the difference between econo-
mical and unremunerative production. ~
The Carrot Fly
Q. Please say what worm this is attacking my carrots. Some of
the roots are a rusty brown colour, while others are rotten. — A. T. S.,
Colchester.
A. The worm is the larva or maggot of the Carrot fly. The fly
does not, as a rule, attack them until the end of May. The flies
appear in spring, and when the Carrot roots are well established the
flies lay their eggs on them just below the ground. When full fed
the maggots leave the roots for pupation in the soil ; the pupa case
is light brown in colour, horny, and striated. There are several
generations during the summer, but it is a remarkable fact that Car-
rots sown after the middle of July are seldom attacked, and good,
useful Carrots are obtained by sowing about that time, say after
early Potatoes. The freeing of the ground from pupae by dressing
with gas lime in winter is an old fashioned preventive, but as the
fly infests other umbelliferous plants the thing is to keep a sharp
look out for the flies, and when they are seen about or on the Carrot
plants, spray these with a solution of paraffin emulsion, 1 part of
emulsion to 20 parts of water. This can be put on with a syringe
having a spraying nozzle. To act preventively, spray the Carrot
bed, after sowing, with the paraffin emulsion ; spray again with it
HOME GROWN VEGETABLES 155
after the plants are well above ground ; and a third time after thin-
ning.
Mint During Winter
Q. How can I obtain a supply of Mint during winter ? — Chester.
A. Procure some boxes in which holes have been made for drain-
age, cover these with a large layer of leaves or short straw,
then a layer of soil on top ; next lift some of the roots from the
beds, shake off most of the old soil, then place them in boxes
as close together as possible, covering them with 1 inch or so of
soil. Any old potting soil will do. Give a good watering, after
which place in a warm house. The roots will soon begin to pro-
duce an abundance of nice green shoots. In place of boxes, if so
desired, pots may be substituted, and will often be found more
convenient, especially where only a very small quantity is required.
As there is often a demand for Mint before it comes on under
natural conditions, this method of forcing is particularly handy, since
it entails little or no trouble beyond a plentiful supply of moisture.
"When and How to Form an Asparagus Bed
Q. Can you tell me the best time to plant Asparagus, and how
to begin to form a bed ? — S. A. G., Devon.
A. The best tim£ to plant Asparagus is during the month of
April. Trench the ground in the autumn, and put in plenty of
manure if the soil is poor in quality. Form low beds with shallow
alleys between if the soil is light, and if it be heavy raise the beds
6 inches. Put out the plants in rows 15 inches apart, and 9 inches
from plant to plant in the rows.
Tomato Fruits not Setting
Q. Can you tell me why the fruits fail to form on my Tomato
plants in the greenhouse 1 They bloom well, but instead of setting
the flowers fall off.— Anxious, llije.
A. The soil most probably needs a liberal dressing of lime. Do
not plant Tomatoes in it again at least for a year. Instead of plant-
ing them in the border, plant them in boxes, tubs, or pots, using
new soil, of course, and place them on the border. You will get
quite as heavy crops ; at least, you will not be troubled with flowers
falling. To prevent the further falling of your flowers we strongly
advise you to give more air on warm days, leaving a little on also
at night, and if possible have a little warmth in the hot water pipes
at night.
156 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED
The Tomato Disease
Q. Please enlighten me as to the cause of these large black
patches on my Tomatoes, which are greatly disfigured ? — 8. T. W.,
Richmond.
vt. Your Tomatoes have got the Tomato disease. It is the same
thing as the Potato disease (Peronospora infestans). Pluck off and
burn all the infested fruit ; they are not fit for consumption. How
the disease has come to attack your plants is difficult to tell, but
we think the plants are too close together, or they have been allowed
to become overcrowded with leafage, making it impossible for much
air and light to permeate amongst the plants. Keeping the plants
too wet at the root, and the atmosphere too damp, tends to bring on
the disease. You should thin out the laterals and also some of the
leaves to let in more light and air amongst the plants. Ventilate
freely in warm weather, and on cold, wet days and nights you had
better have a little heat in the hot water pipes, always with a little
air on. If the disease has attacked the stems or leaves have the
diseased parts dressed with flowers of sulphur.
Earthing Up Potatoes
Q. How and when should Potatoes be earthed up? — Grateful,
Exeter.
A. To cover the young growing tops with a large bulk of soil,
as obtains in some gardens, is decidedly a mistake, for in so doing
many shoots get badly broken or knocked off, consequently the
growth is checked, and the crop suffers. I like to earth up our
Potatoes twice during the season. First, by gently drawing a little
soil to them when a few inches above ground, and again three weeks
later. Previous to the latter earthing we go over the whole plot
and remove all superfluous growths from each root, leaving only
the two strongest ; at the same time a dressing of soot or wood ash
is given. This during the earthing becomes incorporated with the
soil, and has a wonderful influence on the foliage and the crop.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
PA OR
Apple tree, espalier . . .121
Melon flowers, fertilising . . 138
Apples, three good . . .125
„ shoots and flowers . .137
Begonia, ornamental-leaved . 84
Pansies, cuttings of . . 80
Bulbs, potting . . 104, 105, 106
„ tufted . , / , . .73
Pear Durondeau . ... .131
Carnation Elizabeth Shiffner . 45
Pears, pruning . . .. .129
Carnations, cuttings of perpetual
Primulas, hardy . . . .75
flowering . . 40, 41, 43
Pruning Roses . 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Chrysanthemum buds, taking . 101
„ cuttings . 99, 100
Rhododendron Lord Palmerston . 145
Rose Betty, 20; Conrad F. Meyer, 21 ;
Maggie . . 96
cuttings, 31, 32; Dorothy Per-
White St. Croutts 98
kins, 13 ; Lady Gay, 17 ; Mme.
Clematis, mountain . . Front.
Crocus Sir Walter Scott . . 108
D'Arblay. 19; Mrs. Sophia Neate,
25 ; Reve d'Or ... 7
Crocuses in the grass . . .74
Roses, crimson, 22; in pots, 34, 35,
Cyclamen, hardy .'"•. . . 68
36 ; pink, 29 ; pruning, 4 ; red
and yellow, 3 j standard .16
Daffodil Sir Watkin . . .107
Dahlias, Paeony flowered . .71
Spiraea, a handsome . . .147
Delphinium Bella Donna . .57
Spring flowers . . . . 61
Standard Roses . . . .15
Forget-me-not dell, a . . .60
Sweet Pea plant from one seed . 50
Sweet Peas, well grown . . 51
Gloxinias . . . . . .85
Grapes in amateur's greenhouse . Ill
Trollius, or Globe Flowers . .67
,, , thinning . . .115
Hydrangea plants, well grown . 81
Vine border, making . . .112
Vines, planting, -113 ; side shoots
> -rv
of .... 114
Irish garden, an . . . . o9
Lily, golden-rayed . - . • . 87
Wall in suburban garden . 69
157
INDEX
American blight on Apple trees, 122
Anemones, 78
Aphis on Plum tree, 127
Apple tree, transplanting, 122; trees,
American blight on, 122
Apples, late keeping, 135
Asparagus, 151; bed, forming, 155
Aster, a common disease of, 65
B
Bank, plants for, 74
Basic slag for Roses, 50
Beds, preparing for Carnations, 44
Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, 88
Blackberries for the garden, 133
Black Currant mite, 131
Border, hardy flowers for sunny, 75;
plants for dry, 62; shady, 62
Briar stocks, preparing, 14
Brick paths, making, 58
Bulbs, early flowering, 77; for ex-
hibition, 103; Gladiolus, 108;
Lily, 106; newly potted, treat-
ment of, 94
Calceolarias during winter, 82
Cardoons, 149
Carnation attacked by eelworm, 46
Carnations, border from cuttings,
45; diseases that attack, 47; for
exhibition, 70; fragrant, 46; per-
petual flowering, 39, 41, 44; pre-
paring beds for, 44; winter, 42
Carrot fly, the, 154
Chrysanthemum cuttings, taking,
95; rust, how to cure, 99
Chrysanthemums, artificial manure
for, 101; for blooming in Novem-
ber and December, 95; how to
grow, 97; outdoor in winter, 102;
stopping, 97
Cinerarias during winter, 82
Clematis, pruning, 144
Climbers, self clinging, 140; climb-
ing Roses, fragrant, 26
Club in vegetables, 150
Cucumbers, growing, 156
Currants, Red, aphides on, 131
Cuttings, border Carnations from,
45; of Gooseberries and Cur-
rants, 136
Cherry, Morello, 134
Dahlias for exhibition, 70; forty
best, 71
Disease, a common, of Aster, 65
Diseased Vine leaves, 119
Diseases that attack Carnations, 47
Eelworm, Carnation attacked by, 46
Evergreen shrubs, 146
Evergreens, for hedge, 144; raising
stock of, 148
Fence, plants for, 141
Fern, fronds turning white, 79;
Maidenhair, in winter, 80
Filberts, gathering, 132
Forest trees, sowing seeds of, 148
Fruit trees, for sandy soil, 135;
gumming in, 127; mulching
young, 128
Fuchsias, 82; in winter, 89
Garden frame, making most of, 76
Geranium, cuttings, taking, 89; the
best bedding, 68
Geraniums for winter flowering, 86
Gladioli, lifting, 70? not flowering,
103
158
INDEX*
159
Gladiolus bulbs, 108
Gloxinia infested by rust. 87
Gooseberries, cordon, 128; pruning,
126
Grafted Apple trees dying, 122
Grape (Foster's Seedling), spotted,
116; growing in greenhouses, 110
Grapes, Muscat, rust on, 119; ripen-
ing, treatment of, 117; scalded,
115, 117; shrivelling before ripe,
116
Greenfly in conservatory, 79, 88
Greenhouse, Grape-growing in a,
110; greenfly in, 79; heated,
climbing Roses for, 33; heating
apparatus for small, 80; in win-
ter, plants for, 90; unheated,
Climbing roses for, 33; ven-
tilating, 83
Ground, preparing, for Sweet Peas,
49
H
Heating apparatus for small green-
house, 80
Hedge, evergreens for, 144; plants
for, 143
Holly, transplanting, 146
Hydrangeas not flowering, 81
Ivy, pruning, 144
Jessamine, pruning white, 76
Kainit for Roses, 30
Lawn, improving, 56, 57; renovating
the, 55; seed, quantity of, to sow,
54; top dressing a, 56; weeds on,
54
Lilies, diseased, 106; in pots, 108
Lily bulbs, 106; of the Valley,
forcing, 91; Tiger, increasing,
104
Loganberry, 130
M
Maidenhair Fern in winter, 80
Manure, artificial, for Chrysanthe-
mums, 101; Clay's, 36, 52, 102;
for Strawberries, 136; pig, for
Sweet Peas, 48, 53
Manures, artificial, for Roses, 28
Marguerite leaves ruined by insect,
86
Marguerites suddenly withering, 92
Medlars, keeping, 132
Melon flowers, fertilising. 137
Mildew, spraying roses for, 33
Mint during winter, 155
Mcntbretias not flowering, 77
Moss on paths, to destroy, 70; on
walks, 56
Mulching young fruit trees, 128
N
Nasturtium, Flame, 68
Nectarines shrivelling, 136; splitting,
125, 139
Onions, saving seed of, 151
Orchids, treatment of, 90
Pansies, failure with, 72
Paths, making brick, 58
Pea mould, Sweet Peas killed by, 52
Peach leaf blister, 125
Peaches, stringy, 136
Pear, scab on, 122; cankered, 123;
pruning, 126
Pears, gathering, 130; greenhouse.
falling while small, 124
Perennials, staking, 68
Pergola, Roses for, 24
Planting trees, 142
Plum (Myrobella), hedge, trimming,
126; tree, aphis on. 127
Pond, making a small, 64
Potatoes, black scab in, 153; liming
ground for, 151
Pots, Sweet Peas in, 50
Pruning, Clematis, 144; forest trees.
148; Gooseberry bushes, 126; Ivy,
144; Pear trees, 126; Roses, 4;
Vines, 110; White Jessamine, 76
Pansy cuttings, keeping through
winter, 82
160
INDEX
Raspberries, replanting, 132; un-
satisfactory, 129
Red Currants, aphides on, 131
Red spider on Vines, 118
Rhubarb, forcing, 152
Root pruning, 134
Rose of Jericho, 94
Roses, artificial manure for, 28;
basic slag and kainit, 30; bush,
in pots, 36; Christmas, 34; climb-
ing, for greenhouse, 33; for cold
garden, 16; exhibition, 12; forc-
ing, 37; hedge, 12; heavy clay
soil, 18; north wall, 11, 25; per-
gola, 24; shady wall, 11; sub-
urban garden, 18; fragrant
climbing, 26; from cuttings, 30;
how to plant, 1; Hybrid Per-
petual, 23; Hybrid Tea, 23; half
standards, 16; preparing Briar
stocks, 14; pruning, 4; Rambling,
8; selection of standard, 15;
spraying for mildew, 33; soil for
potting, 34; Sweet Briar for
hedge, 2; sweet scented, 20; that
do not droop, 11 ; time to plant, 1
Rust, Chrysanthemum, how to cure,
99; on Muscat Grapes, 119
Shrubs, berried, for wall, 68; ever
green, beneath trees, 141 ; for j
north border, 141; flowering, 140
Soil for potting Roses, 34
Staking perennials, 68
Strawberries, manure for, 136; un-
fruitful, 129
Sweet Pea buds falling, 49
Sweet Peas in pots, 50; killed by
Pea mould, 52; manure for, 48;
pig manure for, 53; preparing
ground for, 49; selection of, 48;
stopping, 49
Tomato, disease, 156; fruits not set-
ting, 155
Trees, planting, 142
Vegetable marrows failing, 150
Vegetables, storing, 149; useful win-
ter, 152
Vine, borders, top dressing, 116;
leaves, diseased, 119; treatment
of, 118
Vines, neglected in greenhouse, 117;
not fruiting, 114; pruning, 110;
red spider on, 118; treatment of,
during summer, 113
Violets, how to grow, 60 ; in frame
in winter, 60
W
Wallflowers not a success, 66
Walnuts, how to keep, 133
Wall, plants for warm, 62
Weed killer, when to put down, 57
Weeds on lawn, 54
Woodlice, how to get rid of, 88, 109
Worms on lawn, how to destroy, 54,
58
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